The NWSL will expand to 18 teams in 2028, and the 17th franchise will operate as Atlanta City FC. The Georgia sports market announced the new name, crest, and colors on Monday. The league welcomed Atlanta as a new expansion side in November 2025 after owner Arthur Blank and Arthur M.
Blank Sports and Entertainment paid a then-record expansion fee of $165 million. Introducing: Atlanta City FC, the @NWSL's 17th franchise.In an exclusive announcement, we’re revealing the team’s logo, which features a phoenix, Georgia’s state flower and, of course, the color peach. The team will kick off in 2028. pic.twitter.com/HprazXYIMR The franchise has since been active in shaping the club's future, planning games at Mercedes-Benz Stadium alongside the NFL's Atlanta Falcons and MLS side Atlanta United, and recently broke ground on the team's future training center in Marietta in April.
Now the club has its brand and identity moving forward. "When we were awarded an NWSL franchise, our goal was to build a world-class club with a brand that reflects our city's strength, diversity, and spirit," Blank said in a statement. "After an extensive process, we're proud to introduce Atlanta City FC.
Thank you to our leadership team for their diligent work in bringing this brand to life while incorporating input from the passionate soccer supporters of this city. Our supporters are at the heart of everything we do, and their energy and belief will shape the soul of this club. We can't wait for Atlanta City FC to take the pitch in a few short years." Here's everything you need to know about the new name and crest: The team will operate as Atlanta City FC moving forward.
It's a move for expansion sides that signals a shift toward more corporate, i.e., bland, branding -- and a break from the former NWSL culture of combining a market name and symbol, like founding teams Washington Spirit, Portland Thorns, Seattle Reign, or even the more recently rebranded Chicago Stars FC. There were some rumors across Atlanta, league circles, and the internet about other options, such as Atlanta Flames or Atlanta Phoenix, and AMBSE registered domains for Magnolia City FC, fueling more rumors about the possibility of Dogwood FC. In the end, it was Atlanta City FC, the other registered domain alongside Magnolia City, that won out.
A name that is neither poor nor innovative. The name might even be a civic pride rallying cry, just simply literal and defining. There is also the funny conflict of two ACFC's in the league now alongside Angel City FC (Los Angeles' NWSL side).
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