Atlanta’s soccer landscape has a new leader.
Arthur M. Blank has named Mauricio Culebro the new president of soccer, overseeing both the Atlanta United and the new National Women’s Soccer League franchise that will begin in 2028.
Culebro comes to Atlanta with more than 22 years of vast experience across the soccer industry, including the president and COO of the Mexican Football Federation and Tigres UANL. He will report to Rich McKay, the CEO of Arthur M. Blank Sports and Entertainment.
Under his leadership at Tigres UANL, the team won LIGA MX, Campeón de Campeones and Campeones Cup titles, four LIGA MX Femenil titles and three Campeón de Campeones Femenil titles.
“This is an exciting day as we welcome Mauricio to Atlanta and our family of businesses,” Blank said in a statement. “As we progressed through the search process, Mauricio’s impressive experience and clear vision to elevate our clubs made him an outstanding fit to lead Atlanta United and NWSL Atlanta 2028.
“While he may be new to MLS and the NWSL, Mauricio is not new to building and operating successful global soccer clubs, and I am fully confident in his ability to help return Atlanta United to the level our fans deserve, while leading the launch of our NWSL club. I would also like to thank our search committee and Sportsology Group who dedicated their time, effort and expertise throughout this extensive process.”
Culebro also served as chief operating officer of the Mexican Football Federation, heading Mexico’s operational planning for two years for multiple host cities for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Additionally, he spent more than 15 years at Club América as he served as president, operations vice president, operations director and general coordinator.
“It is an honor to join AMBSE’s highly successful leadership team and become part of an organization with such a strong culture and foundation already in place,” Culebro said in the statement. “I am excited to put my experience, passion and commitment at the service of Atlanta United and NWSL Atlanta 2028, working alongside a great team to build long term projects our fans can feel proud of — teams that truly represent the passion, energy and ambition of this city.”
In his new role as president of soccer, Culebro will work to elevate Atlanta United, managing every aspect of the NWSL Atlanta 2028 launch and also will serve as the organization’s primary liaison for its ongoing partnership with the U.S. Soccer Federation.
Chris Henderson, Atlanta United’s chief soccer officer and sporting director, along with his team, will report to Culebro.
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