Atlanta receives recognition as it prepares to host FIFA World Cup 2026™ matches
ATLANTA (May 18, 2026) – Sports Business Journal (SBJ) has named Atlanta the No. 1 city for sports business in its annual ranking, which assessed thousands of U.S. markets on business opportunity, economic conditions, and sentiment from nearly 120 sports industry executives. Atlanta stood out for the depth of collaboration between its sports properties and corporate community – a culture of long-term partnership that SBJ identified as a defining strength of the market.
The ranking comes at a defining moment for Atlanta’s sports landscape. On May 7, U.S. Soccer officially opened the Arthur M. Blank U.S. Soccer National Training Center in Fayetteville, marking the first permanent headquarters and national training facility in U.S. Soccer’s history. The 200-acre campus was made possible by a $50 million lead gift from Arthur M. Blank and represents the largest single investment in American soccer infrastructure ever made – a direct reflection of the soccer culture Atlanta has developed over the past decade.
The recognition comes on the heels of a monumental 2025, when Atlanta played host to the College Football Playoff National Championship, 2025 MLB All-Star Game and six matches during the FIFA Club World Cup 2025™.
In less than one month, Atlanta will host eight matches of the FIFA World Cup 2026™ at Mercedes-Benz Stadium, including a semifinal on July 15. Atlanta will become one of only two U.S. cities, alongside Los Angeles, to have hosted the Olympic Games and the FIFA World Cup.
“This recognition from Sports Business Journal is really a reflection of the incredible collaboration that exists across Atlanta’s sports, business, civic, and hospitality communities,” Atlanta Sports Council President Dan Corso said. “We’ve been fortunate to work alongside outstanding partners, sponsors, venues, and stakeholders who all share a commitment to bringing world-class events to our city. Atlanta has built a strong reputation as a premier destination for major sporting events, and we’re excited about the momentum and opportunities still ahead.”
Atlanta’s professional sports portfolio – the Falcons (NFL), Braves (MLB), Hawks (NBA), Dream (WNBA), Atlanta United FC (MLS), Atlanta Vibe (MLV), Georgia Swarm (NLL), LOVB Atlanta (LOVB Pro), and an NWSL expansion franchise arriving in 2028 – gives the market one of the deepest and most diverse sports ecosystems in the country.
Atlanta’s status as the No. 1 city for sports business is further solidified by its unparalleled collection of award-winning venues, which include:
The metro Atlanta region is also home to a number of Fortune 500 companies with significant sports business footprints, including The Coca-Cola Company, Delta Air Lines, and The Home Depot. Looking ahead, Atlanta is scheduled to host Super Bowl LXII at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in February 2028 and the NCAA Men’s Final Four in 2031. The Atlanta Sports Council, a division of the Metro Atlanta Chamber, spearheads the region’s event attraction and hosting efforts across professional, collegiate, and international sports.
About the Atlanta Sports Council
The Atlanta Sports Council (ASC), a division of the Metro Atlanta Chamber, plays a vital role in the economic growth and visibility of the region through the recruitment of global sporting events to the Atlanta area. The ASC Championship Hosting Division is responsible for spearheading the planning and organization of support activities around these major events. The organization seeks to improve quality of life for residents in the region through sports, working to drive economic growth and visibility, while acting as an advocate for area teams and annual sports events. For more information, visit https://www.metroatlantachamber.com/councils/atlanta-sports-council
