On November 20, 2018, the National Independent Soccer Association announced that a team from Atlanta would begin play in its inaugural season in fall 2019.[1][2] In late 2019, following the end of the National Premier Soccer League season Atlanta SC announced it would be joining NISA.[3][4][5]
On January 8, the full list of teams taking part in the 2020 U.S. Open Cup was announced including eight from the National Independent Soccer Association. Since Atlanta SC was not listed among these teams, and all professional clubs within the United States are required to take part in the tournament, this signaled that the club will not take part in professional play in the Spring 2020 season.[6]