Mauricio Culebro, a former president of Club América and Tigres UANL, has been named President of Soccer for Arthur M. Blank Sports and Entertainment, the organization that runs both Atlanta United and the soon‑to‑launch NWSL franchise in Atlanta.
Culebro brings more than two decades of top‑level Mexican football experience, having guided Tigres UANL to a suite of championships including the Liga MX title, the Campeón de Campeones trophy and the Campeones Cup, establishing the club as a consistent contender on the continental stage.
A Strategic Appointment for a Growing City
In his new capacity he will supervise the day‑to‑day operations of both the MLS side and the women’s professional team, with the explicit goal of fostering collaboration while preserving each club’s distinct identity.
The appointment follows a rigorous selection process that screened roughly forty candidates from twenty different leagues, a testament to the ambition of building a soccer hub that can rival the best in the world.
Culebro has spoken of his confidence in head coach Tata Martino and his staff, citing the coach’s tactical acumen and the club’s strong human‑capital foundation as key ingredients for success.
He also highlighted Atlanta’s role in the upcoming FIFA 2026 World Cup preparations, saying the city’s infrastructure and passion make it the ideal epicenter for the growth of soccer in the United States.
A Vision for Unified Soccer in Atlanta
According to Culebro, the synergy between the men’s and women’s programs will not only enhance competitive performance but also deepen community engagement, creating a pipeline that nurtures talent from youth to professional levels.
The move is seen as a strategic step to align the club’s ambitions with the broader objectives of Major League Soccer and the National Women’s Soccer League, positioning Atlanta as a model for integrated sports management.