Atlanta gets 22nd Major League Soccer franchise

Seattle Sounders midfielder Kenny Cooper celebrates after scoring

Atlanta will be the newest league member of Major League Soccer in the United States.

The announcement follows six years of talksexternal-link between MLS and the new team's owner, Arthur Blank, who also owns the NFL's Atlanta Falcons.

Atlanta will join the league for the 2017 season and be its 22nd team.

A Miami franchise headed by former Manchester United, LA Galaxy and England midfielder David Beckham hopes to join in the same year.

Major League Soccer commissioner Don Garber said: "Atlanta is one of the largest and most diverse markets in North America and has a rich tradition in sports and culture."