ArentFox Schiff Advises NWSL on Awarding 17th Franchise to Atlanta

ArentFox Schiff served as legal counsel to the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) in connection with the award of the league’s 17th franchise to the City of Atlanta. The transaction awards the NWSL’s 17th franchise to Atlanta. The new team will be owned by Arthur Blank and operated by AMB Sports + Entertainment, the holding company for the NFL’s Atlanta Falcons, MLS’s Atlanta United FC, and TGL’s Atlanta Drive. The franchise is slated to begin play in the 2028 season at Mercedes‑Benz Stadium, which will be modified to incorporate NWSL‑specific facilities. Ownership will also build a dedicated women’s soccer training facility for the team. The Arthur M. Blank Family Foundation will provide seed funding to launch the NWSL Foundation, a body intended to advance research and innovation in women’s sports with an emphasis on female athlete health and performance. The award of the Atlanta franchise complements ongoing soccer investment in the region, including the development of the Arthur M. Blank U.S. Soccer National Training Center and the lead‑up to the 2025 FIFA World Cup. Atlanta represents the fifth franchise granted expansion rights since 2023, following Utah Royals FC, Bay FC, Boston Legacy, and Denver Summit. ArentFox Schiff represented the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) with a team composed by: Stephen P. Hanson, Partner; Mike Ragan, Associate; Olga Bogush, Partner; Shira Helstrom, Partner and Nonprofits & Associations Industry Group Co‑Leader; and Alexis Mozeleski, Associate.

ArentFox Schiff Advises NWSL on Awarding 17th Franchise to Atlanta

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