Full Breakdown
Garth Lagerwey Steps Down as Atlanta United CEO Amid Cancer Treatment
12/2/2025, 11:56:10 PM
Departure Announcement and Background
Garth Lagerwey will not return as the chief executive officer of Atlanta United FC, as confirmed by a club spokesperson. Lagerwey, 52, was diagnosed with cancer in July 2025, prompting him to take a leave of absence to focus on his recovery. He initially returned in a limited capacity but took a second leave in October to prioritize his health. Lagerwey joined Atlanta United in November 2022, following successful tenures with Real Salt Lake and Seattle Sounders FC, where he contributed to multiple MLS Cup victories.
Performance During Tenure
Lagerwey's time at Atlanta United was marked by a struggle to replicate the club's earlier successes. The team, which had won the MLS Cup in 2018 and the U.S. Open Cup in 2019, experienced a decline in performance during Lagerwey's leadership. The club finished sixth in the Eastern Conference in 2023, ninth in 2024, and 14th in 2025, concluding the season 25 points behind the playoff cutoff. Despite this downturn, the team achieved a notable playoff upset against Inter Miami in 2024, which featured Lionel Messi.
Future Leadership and Responsibilities
In light of Lagerwey's departure, Atlanta United has initiated a search for his successor, who will assume an elevated role overseeing both Atlanta United and an expansion team in the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL), set to debut in 2028. The new hire will be tasked with managing two distinct sporting entities, each with its own strategies and front offices. The club's ownership, led by Arthur Blank and AMB Sports and Entertainment, is expected to prioritize candidates with experience in women's professional sports.
Official Statements & Responses
The club expressed its commitment to finding a successor who can navigate the complexities of both the men's and women's teams. A spokesperson noted, “We have begun a search for what will be an elevated president role that will oversee both Atlanta United and the NWSL team.” This reflects the club's ambition to integrate the new NWSL franchise into its broader sporting strategy.
Criticism & Opposition
While Lagerwey's approach included a data-driven strategy for player development, critics argue that the results on the field did not align with the investments made in player acquisitions. The club's continued spending, ranking third in the league with a salary expenditure of $28.48 million, has not translated into consistent success, raising questions about the effectiveness of the management strategies implemented during his tenure.
What's Next
As Atlanta United moves forward, chief soccer officer Chris Henderson, who was appointed in December 2024, is positioned to lead the men's team rebuild under new head coach Tata Martino. The club's search for a new executive leader is expected to shape its future direction, particularly with the upcoming NWSL expansion team on the horizon.
