NWSL

As Atlanta welcomes a new NWSL expansion team, Croix Bethune emerges as the ideal centerpiece. Her strong local ties, talent, and marketability align with Atlanta’s ambitions. With Washington Spirit’s recent financial commitments limiting their capacity for new stars, Atlanta’s flexibility positions them to elevate Bethune into a franchise icon, shaping women’s soccer in the city.

Atlanta’s new NWSL franchise, set to debut in 2028, gains a significant advantage from the newly introduced High Impact Player (HIP) rule, allowing clubs to spend up to $1 million outside the salary cap on elite talent. This opens avenues for attracting top players, offering Atlanta a competitive edge from the outset.

As Atlanta prepares for its NWSL team debut in 2028, player Croix Bethune emerges as a strong candidate to be the franchise’s face. A Georgia native with professional ties to the USWNT, her familiarity with the local culture and a contract that aligns with Atlanta’s timeline make her an appealing prospect for the team.

Marietta, Ga. has signed a contract to purchase a 33-acre property for $18.5 million, aiming to become the training headquarters for Atlanta’s upcoming NWSL franchise set to debut in 2028. The location’s proximity to Atlanta United’s training facility enhances its appeal, fostering potential collaborative opportunities and community development in women’s soccer.

Recent sightings of Trinity Rodman in Atlanta, particularly at the Hawks’ facility, have sparked speculation about her potential involvement with a future NWSL team in the city. Coupled with her cultural embrace of Atlanta and its role in women’s soccer development, many believe she could become a key player in this emerging market.