A New Era for Atlanta Soccer
Mauricio Culebro stepped onto the stage at Mercedes-Benz Stadium this week, taking the oath as the newly appointed president of soccer for Atlanta United and the city's inaugural National Women’s Soccer League franchise.
The announcement came alongside club executives Josh Blank and Rich McKay, who praised Culebro’s track record of building competitive programs and his deep connections to the sport.
Culebro, who has spent years attending World Cup matches, spoke of the electric atmosphere that defines Atlanta’s soccer culture and the untapped potential of the women’s game.
Dual‑Focus Strategy
He outlined a dual‑focus strategy: revitalizing the men’s side, which has faced recent challenges, while simultaneously launching a competitive NWSL team slated to begin play in 2028.
Emphasizing the city’s appetite for soccer, Culebro pledged to invest in youth development, community outreach, and state‑of‑the‑art facilities, aiming to make Atlanta a perennial contender on both the MLS and NWSL stages.
The new franchise will draw on the same passionate fan base that fills the stands for United matches, with Culebro promising a seamless integration of branding, ticketing and supporter experiences.
Leveraging Global Momentum
In his closing remarks, Culebro referenced the recent World Cup’s success as a catalyst for growth, stating that Atlanta is poised to capitalize on the global surge in interest.