Founding Announcement 2014

Lore & Background

In late 2014, the atmosphere in Atlanta was electric yet uncertain. For decades, the city had hosted soccer teams that faded away or played in lower divisions, leaving fans hungry for stability and prestige. Arthur Blank's entry into the conversation signaled a shift; this was not just another team, but a serious business venture backed by local economic powerhouses.

The announcement itself was treated as a civic milestone rather than simple sports news. It validated the city's potential to host world-class infrastructure and professional leagues simultaneously. The promise of a new stadium became intertwined with the club's existence, creating a narrative that the team belonged to the community before it even took the field.

This era established the cultural DNA of Atlanta United: ambition, local ownership, and fan-centric growth. It moved away from the traditional MLS expansion model by integrating major corporate partnerships early on, ensuring financial stability that would later allow for aggressive roster building.

Reader's Guide

The journey began with a bold vision from Home Depot founder Arthur Blank, who sought to bring Major League Soccer to his adopted home. Atlanta had long been a soccer market without an MLS presence, creating pent-up demand among fans. By late 2014, negotiations reached a critical turning point as the league evaluated expansion bids across North America.

The official announcement shattered expectations, confirming Atlanta United FC would join the league for the 2017 season. This decision prioritized stadium development, eventually leading to Mercedes-Benz Stadium becoming the centerpiece of the franchise identity. Ownership remained firmly rooted in local business leadership, distinguishing the club from transient ownership groups common elsewhere.

As construction commenced on the new venue, the community rallied around the project with unprecedented energy. The period between 2014 and 2017 defined the early culture, establishing a model for fan engagement that would later influence other franchises. This era laid the foundation for the club’s rapid rise in popularity upon debut.

Did You Know?

• Arthur Blank has owned the NFL's Atlanta Falcons since 2002, and he owned them concurrently with founding this MLS franchise.
• Season tickets sold out completely before the team played its first competitive match.
• The announcement was one of the most significant sports expansions in Georgia history.