Atlanta United Academy

EIN: # for-profit · Tax status: tax status not yet verified

Overview

MLS academy operated by Atlanta United FC (owned by Arthur Blank / AMB Sports and Entertainment). Five teams: U-13, U-14, U-15, U-16, and U-18, competing in MLS NEXT. Calendar runs August to June.

Headquarters: Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta Training Ground, 861 Franklin Gateway SE, Marietta, GA. 33-acre, $85M+ facility with 6 pitches (4 grass, 2 turf), 50,000 sq ft indoor space.

Leadership

• Javier Perez — Director of Methodology (since April 2024). Previously Toronto FC, NYCFC, USMNT staff.

Investment Thesis

Not acquirable — MLS-owned. However, Atlanta United’s academy creates a talent-siphoning effect on the Georgia market, particularly for boys. All elite boys’ players in metro Atlanta face the pull of the MLS pathway. This limits the upside for boys’ programs at independent clubs and explains why the strongest Georgia independent clubs (NTH Tophat) have built their national brands on the girls’ side.

Open Questions

• How many players does the academy pull from each independent club annually?
• What is the Regional Development School (RDS) pipeline feeding the academy?