backKing & Spalding advised Arthur Blank as he entered into a transaction with The National Women’s Soccer League (“NWSL”) which awarded the league’s 17th franchise to Mr. Blank and Atlanta.
Mr. Blank will be the franchise's owner and Chairman. The team is expected to debut in 2028. In addition, the Arthur M. Blank Family Foundation will provide seed funding to launch the NWSL Foundation, which will focus on advancing research and innovation in women’s sports, with an emphasis on female athlete health and performance.
Blank’s investment in bringing women’s professional soccer to Atlanta will also include the development of a first-class training ground dedicated to the NWSL club and staff. The National Women’s Soccer League is the premier women’s professional soccer league in the world featuring national team players from around the globe.
The current clubs are Angel City FC, Bay FC, BOS Nation FC, Chicago Stars FC, Denver, Houston Dash, Kansas City Current, NJ/NY Gotham FC, North Carolina Courage, Orlando Pride, Portland Thorns FC, Racing Louisville FC, San Diego Wave FC, Seattle Reign FC, Utah Royals FC, and Washington Spirit.
The King & Spalding team advising Arthur Blank on this transaction consisted of Justin King, Archie Wilson and Chaniece Mulligan.
A press release announcing the transaction can be found here.