Who Owns the Atlanta Falcons? A Local’s Guide to the People Behind the Team

If you live in Atlanta, you probably hear the Falcons talked about almost as much as traffic on the Connector. But when you ask, “Who are the owners of the Atlanta Falcons?” the answer is more specific than “some rich people” or “a corporation.”

In reality, the Falcons are controlled by a very visible Atlanta figure and his family, and their influence stretches well beyond Mercedes‑Benz Stadium into neighborhoods, charities, and local business.

The Short Answer: Who Owns the Atlanta Falcons?

The principal owner and chairman of the Atlanta Falcons is:

• Arthur M. Blank

He owns the team through his family’s organization, often referred to as the Blank family or Blank Family of Businesses. While the full ownership structure involves corporate entities and minority partners (as is common in the NFL), Arthur Blank is the controlling owner and public face of the franchise.

For everyday purposes, when people in Atlanta talk about “the owner of the Falcons,” they’re talking about Arthur Blank.

Who Is Arthur Blank?

If you’re in Atlanta, you’ve almost certainly seen or heard his name, even beyond football.

Business Background

Arthur Blank is best known nationally as the co‑founder of The Home Depot, which started in Georgia and grew into one of the largest home improvement retailers in the country. That success is what allowed him to purchase the Falcons and later expand into other ventures.

Role With the Falcons

• Title: Owner and Chairman, Atlanta Falcons
• Purchased the team: Early 2000s (succeeding previous ownership)
• Operations: Oversees the franchise through his holding companies and executive leadership

He’s known among Falcons fans for being a hands‑on, visible owner, often seen on the sideline at Mercedes‑Benz Stadium during games.

The Blank Family and the Falcons

While Arthur Blank is the primary owner, he often frames things as part of a family and organizational effort.

Blank Family of Businesses

The Falcons are part of a broader group ultimately controlled by Arthur Blank and his family. That umbrella includes:

• Atlanta Falcons (NFL)
• Atlanta United FC (Major League Soccer)
• Mercedes‑Benz Stadium operations
• Various business and investment interests

From a fan’s perspective in Atlanta, that means the same ownership group is driving decisions about:

• The football experience on Sundays
• Stadium policies and fan amenities
• How the venue is used for concerts, college games, and events

Family Influence

Although Arthur Blank is the clear leader, his children and family are increasingly involved in the family’s enterprises and philanthropy. Over time, Atlanta residents can expect the Blank family name to remain attached to the Falcons even as roles evolve.

How the Falcons’ Ownership Connects to Atlanta

Ownership of an NFL team isn’t just about who signs the checks. For Atlanta, it shapes:

• Where major investments happen
• The look and feel of the stadium experience
• Community programs and charitable spending
• The city’s sports identity and national profile

Mercedes‑Benz Stadium and Downtown Atlanta

Arthur Blank’s ownership directly ties to the creation and operation of Mercedes‑Benz Stadium, located on the west side of downtown Atlanta.

Key local impacts:

• Urban investment: The stadium is a major anchor next to Vine City and English Avenue, areas that have been the focus of community redevelopment efforts.
• Events hub: Under Blank’s ownership, the stadium has hosted:
  • Falcons home games
  • College games and championships
  • Soccer matches (Atlanta United and international)
  • Large concerts and special events

The vision and funding model for the stadium are closely associated with Blank’s ownership approach, especially around fan experience and food pricing.

Community and Philanthropy: What Falcons Ownership Means for Atlanta Residents

If you live in Atlanta, you might encounter Falcons ownership outside the stadium through projects backed by:

• The Arthur M. Blank Family Foundation
• The Atlanta Falcons organization and its community programs

These efforts commonly focus on:

• Youth and education programs
• Neighborhood revitalization around the Westside
• Health, wellness, and sports access for kids
• Support for local nonprofits and community initiatives

Why This Matters Locally

For Atlantans, the identity of the team’s owner isn’t just trivia. It influences:

• Which neighborhoods see sports-related community investment
• What kinds of youth football and fitness programs are offered under the Falcons brand
• How the team represents Atlanta’s values on regional and national stages

Fans often notice that community service messages, grants, and charitable campaigns around the city are tied back to Arthur Blank and the Falcons.

Falcons Ownership and the Game-Day Experience

If you’re going to a Falcons game in Atlanta, aspects of your experience are a direct reflection of ownership decisions.

Notable Ownership-Driven Features

• Fan-friendly concessions: The Falcons have become well-known for keeping certain stadium food and beverage prices lower than typical NFL levels, which is often highlighted as a priority from ownership.
• Stadium design and technology: The 360‑degree video halo board, retractable roof, and open concourses at Mercedes‑Benz Stadium were part of an ownership vision to make the venue a showcase for both sports and events.
• “Fan-first” policies: Decisions around family sections, entry procedures, and overall experience are largely shaped by Arthur Blank’s stated emphasis on value and hospitality.

For Atlanta locals, this can make regular attendance more appealing and accessible compared to some other major-market NFL stadiums.

How Ownership Fits Into NFL Rules

From an Atlanta perspective, it can be helpful to understand how NFL ownership structures generally work, so you see where the Falcons fit in.

Typical NFL Ownership Requirements

Across the league, teams are typically:

• Controlled by a principal owner (an individual) with a large majority stake
• Held through corporate entities or family trusts
• Sometimes shared with minority investors, who own smaller stakes but don’t control day-to-day decisions

The Atlanta Falcons follow this pattern, with Arthur Blank as the principal controlling owner. That means:

• He has the final say on hiring key executives like the general manager and head coach.
• He shapes the long-term strategy for the organization.
• Any major changes affecting Atlanta fans—like stadium changes or major relocations—would require his approval (and, in some cases, league approval).

Where the Falcons “Live” in Atlanta

While the ownership may be more abstract, the team itself is physically rooted in a few key places around metro Atlanta:

Main Falcons Locations

While Flowery Branch is outside the city proper, the ownership’s visibility and impact are most obvious in downtown Atlanta and nearby neighborhoods.

How to Stay Connected With Falcons Ownership Decisions

If you want to stay informed about how ownership decisions might affect you as an Atlanta resident or fan, the most direct ways usually include:

• Official team announcements: Press conferences; statements from the owner or team president
• Local sports media in Atlanta: Coverage around coaching changes, stadium policy shifts, or community commitments
• Community events: Public appearances by Arthur Blank or Falcons representatives at Atlanta-area events, often related to philanthropy or civic initiatives

While individual fans don’t interact with ownership directly very often, major shifts in direction—such as new stadium plans, coaching changes, or community commitments—are typically communicated clearly through local channels.

In everyday terms, when people in Atlanta ask, “Who are the owners of the Atlanta Falcons?”, the answer is:

• Arthur M. Blank is the principal owner and chairman, and
• The team is part of a broader network of Blank family–controlled businesses and philanthropic efforts that are tightly woven into the fabric of Atlanta’s sports, development, and community life.