A shadow falls across Atlanta United: Garth Lagerwey, the CEO who was meant to usher in a new era of success, will not be returning next season. This news, delivered by a club spokesperson to ESPN, comes as Lagerwey continues his courageous battle against cancer.
Lagerwey, just 52 years old, received his diagnosis in July 2025, prompting an initial leave of absence that was publicly announced. He briefly returned to work in a limited capacity, demonstrating incredible dedication, but ultimately stepped away again in October to focus entirely on his health and recovery. It's a stark reminder that even in the high-stakes world of professional sports, personal well-being must come first.
The club has already initiated a search for Lagerwey's replacement, and this isn't just about filling a vacant seat. The new CEO will be taking on significantly expanded responsibilities. They will not only oversee Atlanta United FC but also the newly announced NWSL expansion team slated to begin play in 2028. Think of it as a complete restructuring of the leadership, aimed at creating a cohesive vision for both the men's and women's sides. The organization plans to start building the NWSL team's staff as early as 2026, so the new CEO will have a crucial role in shaping its foundation.
But here's where it gets interesting... Lagerwey's track record speaks for itself. Before joining Atlanta in 2022, he built a reputation as a winning executive. He guided Real Salt Lake to an improbable MLS Cup victory in 2010 despite the team’s limited financial resources and a Concacaf Champions League final appearance in 2012. He then joined the Seattle Sounders in late 2014, and arguably created a dynasty, leading them to MLS Cup titles in 2016 and 2019, plus a Concacaf Champions League crown in 2022. His ability to build successful teams, often against the odds, is undeniable.
The hope was that Lagerwey would replicate that success in Atlanta, revitalizing a team that had arguably lost its way after its initial burst of glory, including the 2018 MLS Cup and the 2019 U.S. Open Cup.
And this is the part most people miss... Despite the high expectations, Lagerwey's tenure in Atlanta didn't quite pan out as planned. While there were flashes of brilliance, like the memorable playoff upset of Inter Miami, the team's overall performance declined. This past season saw them finish a disappointing 14th in the Eastern Conference, a staggering 25 points adrift of the final playoff spot.
What makes this downturn even more perplexing is that Atlanta continued to be among the league's biggest spenders. The most recent MLS Players Association salary report ranked them third in the league, with a payroll of $28.48 million. This raises a critical question: Was the team's underperformance a result of strategic missteps, tactical issues on the field, or perhaps simply bad luck?
Atlanta isn't without experienced leadership, though. Chief Soccer Officer Chris Henderson, hired last December, is expected to play a key role in player acquisition and roster construction, working closely with returning manager Gerardo "Tata" Martino. On the business side, Sarah Kate Noftsinger and Dimitrios Efstathiou remain in place to oversee the club's operations.
Here's the controversial point: Some might argue that Lagerwey's influence was limited by factors beyond his control, such as existing player contracts or a lack of alignment between the front office and coaching staff. Others might contend that his vision simply didn't translate to success in Atlanta.
Ultimately, Garth Lagerwey's story is one of both triumph and tribulation. His departure leaves a significant void in Atlanta United, and the task of finding a successor capable of leading both the MLS team and the new NWSL expansion side is a daunting one. What do you think Atlanta United need most in their next CEO? Is it tactical genius, financial acumen, or perhaps something else entirely? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.
