Leadership Change at Atlanta United FC
Atlanta United FC will see a leadership change next season as Garth Lagerwey has confirmed he will step down from his position as CEO, according to a statement relayed by a spokesperson to ESPN. Lagerwey, who is 52 years old, took a leave of absence following his cancer diagnosis in July. Although he made a brief return to the club during the season, he ultimately decided to take another leave in October to concentrate on his health recovery.
Search for New CEO
The club is now searching for a new CEO, who will be tasked with a broadened role that encompasses leadership not only over Atlanta United but also the newly announced National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) team slated to launch in 2028. Preparations for this expansion include hiring staff beginning in 2026.
Lagerwey’s Previous Success
Before his tenure with Atlanta United, Lagerwey was notable for his success at both Real Salt Lake and Seattle Sounders FC. Under his leadership, RSL won the 2010 MLS Cup and reached the final of the Concacaf Champions League in 2012, all while operating with a modest budget. He later joined the Sounders in 2014 and played a pivotal role in securing two MLS Cup championships in 2016 and 2019, alongside winning the Concacaf Champions League in 2022.
Franchise Performance and Future Outlook
His hiring at Atlanta was intended to rejuvenate the franchise, which had experienced a decline in performance since initially thriving by winning the 2018 MLS Cup and the U.S. Open Cup the following year. Despite brief moments of success, like a playoff victory over Inter Miami in 2024, the team struggled consistently, ending this season ranked 14th in the Eastern Conference, a substantial 25 points away from the final playoff position held by Orlando City.
Investment in Player Salaries
Notably, Atlanta United continues to invest heavily in player salaries, placing third in spending across the league at $28.48 million, as reported in the latest MLS Players Association salary survey. Fortunately for the club, there remains a wealth of experience in their front office, with Chris Henderson, the chief soccer officer appointed last December, expected to collaborate closely with newly appointed head coach Gerardo Martino on roster development. Meanwhile, the operational side of the organization is managed by Sarah Kate Noftsinger and Dimitrios Efstathiou.
