Atlanta Hawks

Ultimate Guide to Atlanta Sports Teams

Falcons, Braves, Hawks, Dream, Vibe, Atlanta United and More

By Demetrius Bell

Last Updated October 30, 2025

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If you are a sports fan, you don’t have to look far for any type of action in Atlanta. Each team reflects the culture of the city in its own way. Whether you’re a football fan who wants to see our Falcons soar or you want to hear the roar of a crowd at an Atlanta United game, there’s something for every sports fan. Here’s a look at each team that calls our city home.

Atlanta Falcons

Aerial view of Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Atlanta, with red roof and lit football field in Atlanta, Georgia. — The Atlanta Falcons play at Mercedes-Benz Stadium.

Established in 1966, the Atlanta Falcons have played against the best that the NFL has had to offer, and the team has called downtown Atlanta home for most of that time.

The Falcons have played at Fulton-County Stadium, the Georgia Dome and now the world-class Mercedes-Benz Stadium. New quarterback Michael Penix Jr. is looking to join a list of illustrious Atlanta quarterbacks including Steve Bartkowski, Michael Vick and Matt Ryan in helping to lead our team to the playoffs once again.

With some of the most loyal and passionate fans in the NFL, any Falcons game is an intense and loud experience and also one where you’re able to enjoy the game while feasting on good food with the lowest prices in the NFL. The Falcons rule the roost in Atlanta during fall Sundays, and as long as you’re not wearing black-and-gold with a fleur-de-lis, a football game at Mercedes-Benz Stadium is a great time.

Atlanta United

A young boy rides on a man's shoulders, waving an American flag at a crowded stadium event in Atlanta, Georgia. — Atlanta United turned Atlanta into a soccer city. (Photo courtesy of Atlanta United)

There is strong proof that Atlanta is a soccer city.

In 2017, the outlook of Major League Soccer (MLS) shifted forever. That was when Atlanta United FC played its first season.

Led by legendary coach Tata Martino and star players Miguel Almiron and Josef Martinez, Atlanta United took not just MLS by storm, but the entire soccer world had no choice but to sit up and take notice of what was going on with soccer in Atlanta.

As it turned out, the crown jewel of the South was also a sleeping giant for the beautiful game, as Atlanta United routinely packed Mercedes-Benz Stadium on its way to winning MLS Cup in 2018 in front of more than 73,000 fans in Atlanta.

A crowded stadium with fans waving flags and smoke filling the air in Atlanta, Georgia.

The team went on to win the U.S. Open Cup and Confederations Cup as well, which meant that Atlanta United quickly established itself as one of the top clubs in all of North America.

Crowd of people at night with red smoke and bright light in the center in Atlanta, Georgia.

The fan culture also became famous worldwide, as even fans of the European game who were skeptical of American soccer culture showed respect to the passionate support from Atlanta United fans in the city. Atlanta United has had an indelible effect on soccer, and both the team and fans continue to establish themselves in order to create the best soccer atmosphere and culture that this country has to offer.

Atlanta United plays at Mercedes-Benz Stadium, stage for the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup and 2026 FIFA Club World Cup.

New to the game? Check out our fan guide.

Want more soccer? Watch “United We Roar,” a dynamic three-part documentary series spotlighting the fans who have turned Atlanta into one of the most electrifying soccer cities in the country.

Atlanta Braves

A large, furry Braves mascot greets fans in the stands during a baseball game in Atlanta, Georgia. — Blooper high-fives fans during the sixth inning of the game. (Photo by Matthew Grimes Jr./Atlanta Braves/Getty Images)

The Falcons joined the Atlanta Braves in arriving in Atlanta in 1966. The team has called our city its long-time home after starting life as the Boston Beaneaters among many names and making an extended stay in Milwaukee before eventually coming down South.

A large crowd of people in red shirts gathers in a stadium, cheering and playing drums in Atlanta, Georgia.

The Braves are one of the most prestigious teams in Major League Baseball. The team’s extended run of divisional dominance in the 1990s/2000s (including a World Series in 1995) and eventual resurgence in the 2010s and present-day success after winning a World Series in 2021 have helped establish the team as one of baseball’s model franchises.

From the days of Tom Glavine, Greg Maddux and John Smoltz to the present-day stars of Ronald Acuña Jr., Chris Sale and Drake Baldwin, the Braves have frequently been among baseball’s best.

A packed baseball stadium with a large American flag on the field during a game in Atlanta, Georgia.

After sharing Fulton-County Stadium with the Falcons and moving to Turner Field in 1997, the Braves now call Truist Park at The Battery home. After hosting the All-Star Game here in 2025, the Braves and the set-up at The Battery are considered by some as “the model” for the rest of MLB to emulate.

Check out the Ultimate Atlanta Braves Game Day Guide.

Atlanta Hawks player in jersey 10 high-fives fans after a game in Atlanta, Georgia. — Zaccharie Risacher high-fives the fans. (Photo courtesy of Atlanta Hawks)

There are very few teams in the NBA with a history as unique as the Atlanta Hawks.

The team embraced a whole host of identities and new looks since moving here from St. Louis in 1968. Pete Maravich and Lou Hudson led the way for the high-flying Hawks of the ’70s before Dominique Wilkins became the face of the franchise during the 1980s and early ‘90s. He’s even still associated with the team as a color commentator for local broadcasts.

A basketball player in a red Atlanta Hawks jersey screams with intensity on the court in Atlanta, Georgia.

The late, great Dikembe Mutombo made sure the Hawks were fiercely competitive in the 1990s, and then Joe Johnson and Josh Smith helped turn what is now State Farm Arena into “The Highlight Factory” while they were here.

Trae Young has become the latest superstar to stay “True To Atlanta,” as the team has stayed competitive and a fixture in the NBA postseason race while he’s been here. The sky is the limit for the Hawks as far as the future is concerned.

Two Atlanta Hawks players in red uniforms high-five on the basketball court in Atlanta, Georgia.

Atlanta Dream

A group of women basketball players in white uniforms celebrate a victory on the court in Atlanta, Georgia. — It’s a win for the Atlanta Dream. (Photo courtesy of Atlanta Dream. Photographer Brian Savage)

Forty years after the Hawks became Atlanta’s NBA team, the Dream joined them as Atlanta’s WNBA team. Named after Dr. Martin Luther King’s iconic 1963 “I Have a Dream” speech at the Lincoln Memorial, the Dream has gone on to blaze a trail that would likely make Dr. King proud.

Basketball player in red uniform dribbling ball while being guarded by opponent in white in Atlanta, Georgia.

Not only has this team excelled on the court with the likes of Renee Montgomery (who is now part of the team’s ownership), Angel McCoughtry, Rhyne Howard and Brittney Griner helping to lead the way at various stages of the franchise’s history, the team also has set an example for how sports teams can help their communities, off the court.

With a rich history of fighting for social justice and change, this team is a shining light on the sports landscape here in Atlanta. It also helps that the Gateway Center Arena in College Park provides an intimate yet intense atmosphere that helps the team thrive against the best that the WNBA has to offer.

Atlanta Vibe and LOVB Atlanta

Volleyball players in action during a competitive match, with one player spiking the ball over the net in Atlanta, Georgia. — Here’s Merritt Beason playing for Atlanta Vibe. (Photo courtesy of Atlanta Vibe)

Volleyball fans in Atlanta are becoming spoiled, as they have two teams to cheer. The Atlanta Vibe was the first team to arrive on the scene, with star player Leah Edmond helping lead the Vibe to a regular-season championship and a playoff appearance in its first season. The team plays in Gas South Arena in nearby Duluth and is looking to establish itself in what is now Major League Volleyball.

Meanwhile, Atlanta’s LOVB team calls the Gateway Center Arena home, with Olympic Gold medalist Kelsey Cook a well-known player. No matter if you’re a fan of good vibes or you love volleyball, Atlanta has you covered when it comes to this sport, as it’s the newest one on the city’s sporting landscape.

Georgia Swarm

Similar to Atlanta United, the Georgia Swarm didn’t make the city wait long before bringing a championship to Atlanta.

After spending its early years in Minnesota, the team moved to Gas South Arena and immediately established itself as an elite team in the National Lacrosse League (NLL). With Lyle Thompson and Mike Poulin leading the way, the Swarm won the NLL Championship in 2017 and have been consistent playoff contenders ever since. With Box Lacrosse being one of the more unique sports on the American landscape, it’s been impressive to see the Swarm establish itself and gain a foothold as one of the top clubs across the NLL.

At the game, the food is just as impressive as the teams. Check out our Ultimate Guide to Stadium Dining. See you at the game, or watch it at one of Atlanta’s sports bars.

Demetrius Bell is an Atlanta-based writer who focuses on the Atlanta Braves and sports in general in the Atlanta metro area. He is the Managing Editor of SB Nation’s Battery Power, which covers the Braves on a daily basis. His work can be found in Baseball Prospectus, Forbes.com, YardBarker.com and SB Nation.

Originally Published September 24, 2025