ATLANTA (WXIA) – The Atlanta Silverbacks have suspended operations for the upcoming season, and most likely beyond.
The North American Soccer League announced the suspension Monday. The league had been operating the team for the past season while it looked for a long-term local ownership group.
"The goal all along has been to secure committed local ownership in Atlanta, but despite significant conversations with a number of interested parties, we were unable to identify a group that could lead the Silverbacks in a direction consistent with the rest of our clubs," said NASL Commissioner Bill Peterson in a statement Monday. "It's unfortunate, and particularly sad for the Silverbacks' passionate fan base, which has supported the club tremendously throughout the years."
The Silverbacks were founded in 1998, and joined the NASL for its inaugural season in 2011.
Team president and general manager Andy Smith, who had been with the club for four of its five NASL seasons spoke fondly of the local support the team had received during its time here.
"This is obviously a disappointing day for anyone that has been involved with the club over the years," he said. "The organization created some great memories for the city of Atlanta and its soccer fans, but as we all know, you need ownership to continue on. We appreciate all of the time and effort the league and its owners have invested in their search for long-term Silverbacks ownership – they truly turned over every rock in the process. On behalf of the organization, I want to thank all of our staff members, players, coaches, partners, and most importantly fans for their loyal support."
While the NASL kicks off its 2016 season in April with new teams in Miami, Puerto Rico and Oklahoma City, construction continues in downtown Atlanta on Mercedes-Benz Stadium, the new home of Major League Soccer's Atlanta United FC. Atlanta United will begin playing as the 21st team in MLS in early 2017.
