Atlanta Beat announced as ninth WPS team

Women’s Professional Soccer Commissioner Tonya Antonucci and Atlanta Team Owner Fitz Johnson today officially unveiled the Atlanta Beat as the ninth Women’s Professional Soccer (WPS) franchise at a ceremony at downtown Atlanta’s Metro Chamber of Commerce with Atlanta Mayor Shirley Franklin in attendance.

The Atlanta Beat join the Philadelphia Independence as expansion teams in WPS and will begin play in the 2010 WPS Season.

A “Name the Team” contest narrowed the choices down to three:  Attack, Beat and Storm and fans made the final choice.

Atlanta was home to the Beat in the Women’s United Soccer Association from 2001-03.

WPS commissioner Tonya Antonucci said the original Beat “was really a jewel in terms of fan support and quality of play” and set the model for the new team.

“We’re honored to carry on that tradition of the WUSA,” Antonucci said.

The Atlanta Beat’s colors will be Ferrari Red and Gold and the team will be led by General Manager Shawn McGee, who was announced as the Beat’s GM by Fitz Johnson on Wednesday.

Ticket information and team news can be found online at: www.atlantawomensprosoccer.com.

WNBA Expands to Atlanta

Local Real Estate Developer to Own Team
NEW YORK, Oct. 17, 2007 – WNBA President Donna Orender announced that the City of Atlanta has been awarded a WNBA expansion team for the 2008 season. The new team will be owned and operated by Atlanta businessman J. Ronald Terwilliger.

“As a great sports town and a region that enthusiastically supports women’s athletics, Atlanta is a terrific destination for the WNBA” said Orender. “This is a family-oriented community with tremendous civic pride. I am confident that as a world-class sports league providing great family entertainment, the WNBA will be embraced here for years to come. I commend Ron Terwilliger for his efforts in bringing the WNBA to Atlanta and know the league will benefit from his superior leadership skills, business acumen and commitment to the community.”

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