Atlanta United FC is a Major League Soccer expansion franchise in Atlanta, Georgia that plans to begin play in 2017. The team, which was announced by the league on April 16, 2014, will be owned and operated by Home Depot co-founder and Atlanta Falcons owner Arthur Blank, and will play in the new Mercedes-Benz Stadium, currently under construction. Following Orlando City SC, United will be the second MLS expansion team in the southeastern United States.