ATLANTA — Arthur Blank has appointed Mauricio Culebro as the president of soccer for Atlanta United FC in MLS and Blank’s NWSL team, which is set to launch in 2028.
Culebro has previously held the position of president at Tigres UANL, where he managed both sporting and business operations for the men’s and women’s teams in Mexico for the last five years. He has also worked as the chief operating officer of the Mexican Football Federation.
In his new position within the Blank Family of Businesses, Culebro will report directly to AMBSE CEO Rich McKay.
“Today is a significant day as we welcome Mauricio to Atlanta and our family of businesses,” Blank stated in a release from AMBSE. “During the search process, Mauricio’s remarkable experience and distinct vision to enhance our clubs made him an exceptional choice to lead Atlanta United and NWSL Atlanta 2028.”
Blank recognized that Culebro will be new to MLS and the NWSL, but remarked: “Mauricio is experienced in establishing and managing successful global soccer clubs, and I have complete confidence in his capability to help restore Atlanta United to the standard our fans expect, while also spearheading the launch of our NWSL club.”
While with the Mexican Football Federation, Culebro was instrumental in planning for various host cities for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
“It is a privilege to join AMBSE’s highly accomplished leadership team and to be part of an organization with such a solid culture and foundation already established,” Culebro expressed. “I am eager to apply my experience, enthusiasm, and dedication to Atlanta United and NWSL Atlanta 2028, collaborating with a talented team to develop long-term initiatives that our fans can take pride in — teams that genuinely embody the passion, energy, and ambition of this city.”
Atlanta United chief soccer officer and sporting director Chris Henderson, senior vice president of strategy Dimitrios Efstathiou, and senior vice president, chief business officer Sarah Kate Noftsinger will continue in their positions and report to Culebro.
Blank was granted the 17th NWSL franchise on Nov. 11, 2025.
Information from The Associated Press was utilized in this report.
