NEW YORK, Oct. 17 (UPI) -- The WNBA has awarded a franchise to Atlanta, giving the women's basketball league 14 teams for the 2008 season.
WNBA President Donna Orender said Wednesday the Atlanta WNBA team would be owned by businessman J. Ronald Terwilliger.
"I am excited to make this contribution to Atlanta's sports community," said Terwilliger. "Our effort is to transcend sports, making a statement of encouragement and support to girls and women in our society. I am participating as a sports fan who will enjoy the journey and as a dad for his daughters and other young women like them."
The Atlanta WNBA franchise is the sixth league team to be independently owned. Announcements on name, logo, colors, head coach and home arena were to come at a later date, the WNBA announcement said.
The team will compete in the WNBA's Western Conference.
