Atlanta United Signs Midfielder Cooper Sanchez to Homegrown Contract

ATLANTA — Atlanta United today announced the signing of midfielder Cooper Sanchez to an MLS Homegrown Contract through the 2026 season, with club options for 2027 and 2028. The 17-year-old is immediately eligible for selection in Wednesday’s Leagues Cup clash against Atlas FC at Mercedes-Benz Stadium (7:30 p.m. ET, MLS Season Pass on Apple TV, 92.9 The Game, La Mejor). He will serve as an Off-Roster Homegrown Player for the remainder of the 2025 season.

Sanchez, one of the most promising talents to come through Atlanta’s Academy, signed his first professional deal with Atlanta United 2 on July 2, 2024. He was originally set to join the First Team as a Homegrown player on Jan. 1, 2026, but his progression has fast-tracked the timeline.

The Georgia native joined the Atlanta United Academy in 2018 and was a standout on the 2023 U-16 squad that dominated with a 22-1-1 record in the regular season and captured the MLS NEXT Cup. Sanchez made a major impact in the final, scoring in a 3-1 victory over Strikers FC.

Since making the leap to the professional level, Sanchez has continued to shine. He has tallied 23 career appearances with ATL UTD 2 and in 2025 has started 12 of his 14 MLS NEXT Pro matches, contributing two assists while showcasing his playmaking and composure in midfield.

With his Homegrown signing, Sanchez becomes the latest in a growing pipeline of Academy players advancing to the First Team, underscoring Atlanta United’s commitment to developing top-level talent.