Atlanta City FC Sets Goals Ahead of Debut

The NWSL's 17th expansion club, backed by a $165 million investment, is preparing for its first match two years from now.

Updated on Nov. 2, 2026 in Soccer

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Atlanta City FC Chief Soccer Officer Richard Gunney outlined his goals for the NWSL's 17th expansion club, backed by a $165 million investment from AMB Sports and Entertainment, ahead of its debut. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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Atlanta City FC Chief Soccer Officer Richard Gunney spoke at a soccer briefing about his goals for the new National Women's Soccer League club. The team, which revealed its official name and logo at a fan event weeks earlier, is backed by a $165 million investment from AMB Sports and Entertainment.

Why it matters

The expansion adds a new club to the NWSL and brings top-level women's professional soccer to Atlanta. The club's leadership is focused on building a roster of players who carry excitement and ambition.

Atlanta City FC is the 17th expansion club in the National Women's Soccer League, backed by a $165 million investment from AMB Sports and Entertainment. The club's first match is still two years away, and the source does not detail its roster or venue.

The players

Atlanta City FC

The newly announced NWSL expansion club based in Atlanta, backed by AMB Sports and Entertainment.

AMB Sports and Entertainment

The sports company owned by Home Depot co-founder Arthur Blank, which is investing $165 million in the club.

Richard Gunney

Atlanta City FC's Chief Soccer Officer, who is leading the club's early soccer operations and roster goals.

The details

Gunney spoke at a soccer briefing on Monday, November 2, 2026, outlining his goals for the team. Soccer fans lined the streets at a fan fest when the team name and logo were revealed weeks earlier.

Timeline

  1. November 2025: Atlanta City FC was first announced.

  2. Weeks before November 2, 2026: Team name and logo revealed at a fan fest.

  3. Monday, November 2, 2026: Chief Soccer Officer spoke at a soccer briefing.

  4. Approximately November 2028: Atlanta City FC's first match is scheduled.

Season Trajectory

Atlanta City FC is the 17th expansion club in the National Women's Soccer League, extending the league's ongoing growth beyond its original footprint. The club's arrival, with its first match two years away, marks a sustained step in the NWSL's expansion history.

Atlanta City FC is the NWSL's 17th expansion club, which adds a new team to the league's schedule. Fans can track the club's progress toward its first match, expected in about two years.

The takeaway

The arrival of Atlanta City FC shows the NWSL continuing to grow its footprint, with a $165 million investment signaling sustained commitment to women's professional soccer in Atlanta.

What happens next

Atlanta City FC's first match is scheduled for approximately November 2028.

Further reading

Follow the latest from the Soccer section for more on new clubs and league expansion.

Source note: This article includes information reported by WSB-TV Channel 2 - Atlanta.

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