Newest USL Championship Expansion Team to Be Known As Atlético Dallas

The newest expansion franchise in the USL Championship is bringing a little European flair to the heart of Texas.

The team, which is scheduled to begin playing in 2027, unveiled their name — Atlético Dallas — late last week, along with their primary crest.

“This brand launch is more than a name reveal — it’s a declaration of who we are and what we stand for,” said founder and chairman Matt Valentine in a press release. “Atlético Dallas reflects our ambition, our roots in the game, and our commitment to uniting the community through our shared love of soccer.”

Unlike Atlético San Luis of Liga MX and Atlético Ottawa of the Canadian Premier League, Atlético Dallas is not owned by nor appears to have any affiliation with Atlético Madrid of Spain’s La Liga.

The crest unveiled last week includes almost-medieval depictions of a rattlesnake and a Mexican grey wolf fighting on a black shield with no other text or embellishments. The snake represents speed and danger, while the wolf represents cunning and teamwork.

Graphic courtesy Atlético Dallas

Legend has it that the Wolf and the Snake fight for the wildness within. For the animal instinct in us all. And should inhabitants of the land ever forget this passion that lives inside them, the beasts come back to remind them.
— AtleticoDallas.com

The new club’s colour palette consists of: Texas Topaz, Blackland Crude, and Silver Ore.

Graphic courtesy Atlético Dallas

“This marks a huge step forward in our journey,” said club co-founder and chief commercial officer Sam Morton. “Atlético Dallas isn’t just a new name — it’s the heartbeat of a movement. We’re building something authentic, inclusive, and electric for fans across the region.”

When they take the pitch in 2027, Atlético Dallas will play its home games in Garland, Texas. Specific stadium plans have not yet been announced.