The City of Marietta is pleased to announce it has entered into an agreement with AMB Sports and Entertainment (AMBSE) for the sale of property located at 1033 Franklin Gateway to develop a world-class headquarters and training facility for Atlanta’s National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) franchise.
1033 Franklin Gateway was acquired by the City in late 2025 utilizing designated Redevelopment Bond funds approved by voters in a 2013 referendum for the redevelopment of the Franklin Gateway corridor.
On the nearly 33-acre tract, AMBSE will construct an approximately 38,000 square foot headquarters and training facility along with four full fields and two one-half soccer pitches. The project represents a significant investment of more than $100 million, bringing the total investment by AMBSE along the Franklin Gateway Corridor to nearly $200 million, which began with their development of the Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta Training Ground. The NWSL team facility will also bring additional high-quality jobs to Marietta and contribute to the continuing economic growth of the city.
Marietta City Council approved the sale of the property to AMBSE at an agreed-upon deal reflecting a $21 million value to the City, with terms that include monetary compensation, the transfer of property to the City, and retention of property by the City. The City of Marietta will receive a 10-acre tract of undeveloped land, known as 866 and 876 Franklin Gateway, valued at approximately $10 million from AMBSE. This property will be developed for dedicated recreational park space and other community uses. The long-term use of this property will be planned, developed, and programmed by the City to provide value to the city and neighboring community. Additionally, the City will retain over 1-acre of road frontage at the NWSL location which will be for dedicated parking for the City’s Franklin Gateway Sports Complex, allowing the facility to accommodate even larger tournaments.
The City looks forward to welcoming AMBSE’s NWSL Atlanta club to Marietta and is proud to be home to both women’s and men’s professional soccer teams. Construction of the NWSL Atlanta facility is expected to begin immediately, with estimated completion by the club’s debut in 2028.
Statement from R. Steve Tumlin, Mayor, City of Marietta
“This project delivers significant benefits to our city through economic growth and new park space for our residents and families. We are excited to welcome NWSL Atlanta to Marietta and proud to be the home of both women’s and men’s professional soccer. The arrival of the women’s team is certain to inspire young women and girls in Marietta and beyond. This opportunity was made possible through the thoughtful use of Redevelopment Bond funds approved by our citizens, reflecting our commitment to reinvesting in this corridor for long-term community benefit. I appreciate Arthur Blank and AMB Sports and Entertainment for their partnership and for choosing Marietta for this world-class women’s training facility. I believe this partnership makes Marietta the Home of Professional Soccer in Georgia.”
Statement from Arthur M. Blank, Owner and Chairman, Blank Family of Businesses
“When we announced NWSL Atlanta 2028, we made a commitment to provide the necessary resources to create a world-class organization on and off the pitch, including the development of a training ground dedicated to our newest club and staff. Securing this property in Marietta is a critical first step as we begin building the foundation of NWSL Atlanta 2028.
“I want to thank the City of Marietta, Mayor Tumlin, and the city council for their continued outstanding partnership. Atlanta United has called Marietta home for the past several years, and we are thrilled to further our partnership with the city as we develop this new property. I also want to thank Rich McKay and all our business leaders, including Josh Blank, Dimitrios Efstathiou and Joe Pierce, who have led the effort to make this site in Marietta home to our NWSL club.”
About the Marietta Redevelopment Bond
In November 2013, City of Marietta voters approved the $68 million Redevelopment Bond, of which dedicated $64 million for redevelopment initiatives along the Franklin Gateway corridor. These funds have supported the strategic acquisition of properties and created opportunities for significant private investment. The Redevelopment Bond continues to serve as a catalyst for attracting additional quality development, strengthening the economic vitality of the Franklin Gateway corridor, and delivering meaningful community benefits for the residents and businesses of Marietta.
About AMBSE
AMB Sports and Entertainment is part of the Blank Family of Businesses comprised of the National Football League’s Atlanta Falcons, Major League Soccer’s Atlanta United FC, NWSL Atlanta 2028, Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Atlanta Drive GC, WTGL Atlanta and PGA TOUR Superstore.