In a major step forward for women’s professional soccer in the region, the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) Atlanta has finalized an agreement with the City of Marietta to acquire land for a dedicated, world-class training facility.
The announcement marks an exciting milestone for the expansion franchise, owned by Arthur Blank’s AMB Sports and Entertainment (AMBSE), as it builds toward its debut season in 2028.
The deal involves AMBSE purchasing a nearly 33-acre property along Franklin Gateway in Marietta.
This strategic site, located just half a mile from the Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta Training Ground (home to MLS side Atlanta United), positions the new NWSL club to benefit from proximity to established elite soccer infrastructure while establishing its own independent headquarters.
As part of the agreement, the City of Marietta will acquire a separate 10-acre parcel currently owned by AMBSE, creating a mutually beneficial land exchange.
Marietta city leaders unanimously approved the transaction, valued at approximately $21 million, during a recent council session.
Construction on the state-of-the-art facility is set to begin immediately, with completion targeted ahead of the club’s inaugural 2028 campaign. Plans include an approximately 38,000-square-foot headquarters building, four full-size soccer fields, and two half-size pitches.
The overall investment in the project is expected to exceed $100 million, delivering significant economic benefits to the Marietta area through jobs, development, and community impact.
Arthur Blank, owner and chairman of AMBSE, emphasized the importance of this development in creating a top-tier organization.
“When we announced NWSL Atlanta 2028, we made a commitment to provide the necessary resources to create a world-class organization on and off the pitch, including the development of a training ground dedicated to our newest club and staff,” Blank stated. “Securing this property in Marietta is a critical first step as we begin building the foundation of NWSL Atlanta 2028.”
The training ground will complement the team’s primary home matches at Mercedes-Benz Stadium, where capacity will be adjusted to around 28,000 for NWSL games.
The facility underscores Atlanta’s growing investment in women’s soccer, joining the Falcons (NFL) and Atlanta United (MLS) under the AMBSE umbrella.
Local officials expressed enthusiasm about the partnership and its potential to elevate the community.
This agreement follows Marietta’s proactive efforts to attract the franchise, including the city’s earlier purchase of the Franklin Gateway land (previously eyed for an IKEA development) to position itself as an ideal location.
With groundbreaking work now on the horizon, NWSL Atlanta 2028 continues to take shape as a flagship addition to the National Women’s Soccer League, promising high-caliber facilities and a strong foundation for success on and off the field. Fans can look forward to more updates as the club progresses toward its 2028 launch.
Metro Downtown Atlanta’s development landscape has undergone significant transformation in recent years, driven by large-scale mixed-use projects, infrastructure upgrades, and a focus on revitalizing the city’s historic core. These changes reflect a broader effort to make Downtown more vibrant, walkable, and economically robust, particularly in preparation for events like the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
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