The National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) has taken a major step forward by approving a new team in Atlanta for a record $165 million. Announced on April 13, 2026, this new franchise becomes the 17th team in the league. It is the highest expansion fee ever paid in NWSL history. The owner will be Arthur Blank through his company AMB Sports + Entertainment. Blank already owns the Atlanta Falcons (NFL) and Atlanta United (MLS).

This $165 million fee is much higher than the $110 million paid by Denver in 2025. It shows how quickly the value of women’s soccer teams is growing in the United States. In addition to the expansion fee, Arthur Blank plans to invest another $185 million to build a dedicated training center and headquarters for the new women’s team. This proves his strong commitment to creating an independent project, not just an extension of his other teams.

The new Atlanta team will play its home matches at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. The stadium can hold more than 42,500 fans for soccer games. It will share the venue with Atlanta United and the Falcons. This makes Atlanta one of the strongest soccer cities in the country, especially since it will also host several matches during the 2026 World Cup. The team is expected to begin playing in the 2028 season.

One of the biggest highlights is a record sponsorship deal with Aflac, an insurance company based in Georgia. The seven-year agreement is worth about $28 million and will place the Aflac logo on the front of the team’s jerseys. This deal shows that big companies now have growing confidence in women’s sports and are willing to invest large amounts of money.

This expansion strengthens several important trends in women’s sports: rising team values, investment from wealthy owners who already run big sports teams, and strong corporate sponsorships. Arthur Blank has said the new team will have its own identity, separate staff, and a clear focus on women’s soccer. With this move, the NWSL continues to grow as one of the most exciting and attractive leagues for investors in American sports.