Who Owns the Atlanta Falcons? A Local’s Guide to the Team’s Ownership and Impact on Atlanta

If you live in Atlanta or you’re visiting for a game at Mercedes‑Benz Stadium, it’s natural to wonder: who actually owns the Atlanta Falcons—and what does that mean for the city?

Below is a clear breakdown of who owns the Falcons, how that ownership works, and why it matters for Atlanta fans, neighborhoods, and local life.

The Short Answer: Who Owns the Atlanta Falcons?

The Atlanta Falcons are owned by Arthur M. Blank, an Atlanta-based businessman best known as the co‑founder of The Home Depot.

• Majority owner: Arthur Blank
• Ownership entity: Typically described as being held through AMB Group, LLC, his family’s sports and entertainment company
• Purchased the team: Early 2000s (he became the controlling owner after buying the franchise from the previous owner group)

Blank is the principal and controlling owner, which means he has the final say on major decisions like:

• Hiring and firing head coaches and general managers
• Approving big player contracts
• Long‑term strategy for the team and stadium
• Community and philanthropy priorities connected to the Falcons

Arthur Blank’s Role in Atlanta Sports

For Atlanta residents, Arthur Blank’s name shows up well beyond Falcons news.

Sports properties he’s connected to

Through his ownership group, Blank has been tied to:

• Atlanta Falcons (NFL) – Atlanta’s professional football team
• Atlanta United FC (MLS) – the city’s Major League Soccer team
• Mercedes‑Benz Stadium – the stadium in Downtown Atlanta where both teams play

This structure makes him one of the central figures in Atlanta’s sports and events landscape. When there’s a major football game, soccer match, concert, or national event scheduled at Mercedes‑Benz Stadium, that ecosystem often connects back to his ownership group.

Falcons Ownership and Mercedes‑Benz Stadium

If you’ve been to a game, you know Mercedes‑Benz Stadium is a major Atlanta landmark. While the stadium is a partnership project involving public entities and private ownership, Arthur Blank and his organizations play a key operational role.

Key points Atlanta residents often care about:

• Location: 1 AMB Drive NW, Atlanta, GA 30313
• Primary tenants: Atlanta Falcons (NFL) and Atlanta United FC (MLS)
• Events: NFL games, college football matchups, concerts, and large special events

Blank’s influence helped bring the stadium to life as a modern downtown anchor, impacting:

• Game‑day traffic patterns and MARTA ridership
• Business opportunities near the Vine City, English Avenue, and Castleberry Hill neighborhoods
• The city’s ability to host national events like playoff games and championship events

How Falcons Ownership Works in Practice

Even though Arthur Blank is the clear majority owner, the Falcons—like other NFL teams—operate within a structured system:

1. Ownership vs. Day‑to‑Day Football Operations

• Owner (Arthur Blank): Sets vision, approves major financial decisions, hires key leadership.
• Team executives (like the team president and general manager): Handle contracts, roster building, ticketing strategies, sponsorships, and overall operations.
• Coaching staff: Make football decisions on game plans, player usage, and on‑field performance.

As a fan in Atlanta, the changes you see—new coach, new quarterback, or roster rebuild—are typically a mix of owner approval and front office strategy.

2. NFL Rules and Oversight

While Blank owns the Falcons, the NFL sets league‑wide rules, including:

• Salary caps and roster limits
• Ownership guidelines and approvals
• Revenue‑sharing structures

So, the team’s ownership operates within a larger system that affects how competitive the Falcons can be and how they manage finances.

Why Ownership Matters to People in Atlanta

For someone who lives in or visits Atlanta, team ownership is not just a business detail—it shapes local experiences and opportunities.

Community Investment and Philanthropy

Arthur Blank is closely associated with community work in Atlanta. Through his organizations, efforts have included:

• Support for initiatives in Westside neighborhoods near Mercedes‑Benz Stadium
• Programs focused on youth, education, and parks
• Partnerships with local nonprofits and civic groups

While specific programs evolve over time, Atlanta residents often see the Falcons name tied to:

• Community events in city parks
• Youth football and flag football initiatives
• Volunteer and service days connected to schools and local organizations

Economic and Neighborhood Impact

Owning a major sports franchise in Atlanta involves more than just game days:

• Local jobs: Stadium staff, security, operations, concessions, and event support are tied to Falcons and stadium events.
• Small businesses: Bars, restaurants, and parking near the stadium and across Downtown, Midtown, and Westside benefit from game‑day crowds.
• City identity: The Falcons are a core part of how Atlanta is seen nationally, especially during prime‑time games and playoff runs.

For Atlantans, the way an owner approaches long‑term investment—not just wins and losses—can shape how the team fits into daily city life.

Where the Falcons “Live” in Atlanta

If you’re trying to understand how the Falcons fit into the city geographically, here’s a simple snapshot:

Knowing this helps if you’re planning transportation, parking, or MARTA for games, or if you’re just trying to understand why certain parts of the city feel busier on Sundays in the fall.

How to Stay Connected as an Atlanta Fan

If you’re in Atlanta and want to feel closer to the team and its ownership impact:

• 🏟️ Attend a home game at Mercedes‑Benz Stadium to see how the stadium experience reflects ownership decisions—food pricing, entertainment, fan spaces, and in‑stadium technology are all shaped by the owner’s philosophy.
• 📰 Follow local Atlanta sports coverage to track big ownership decisions like front‑office changes, coaching moves, and stadium updates.
• 🤝 Look for Falcons‑branded community events in Atlanta parks, schools, or neighborhood centers; these often reflect Arthur Blank’s priorities around giving back to the city.

Key Takeaways for Atlanta Residents and Visitors

• The Atlanta Falcons are owned by Arthur M. Blank, an Atlanta‑based businessman and co‑founder of The Home Depot.
• His ownership extends into other major local sports and facilities, especially Mercedes‑Benz Stadium and Atlanta United FC.
• For people in Atlanta, Falcons ownership influences game‑day experience, neighborhood development, job opportunities, and community programs.
• When you cheer for the Falcons in Atlanta, you’re also taking part in a larger city story shaped by how the team’s owner invests in sports, facilities, and the community.