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Fortune becomes the first Atlanta United Homegrown player to receive a senior, multiyear contract.
Atlanta United Signs Jay Fortune to Historic Contract Extension
Atlanta announced Wednesday that it has signed 23-year-old midfielder Jay Fortune to a contract extension through the 2028-29 season, with an option for 2029-30. His previous deal was scheduled to expire at the end of the current season, after all previous options had been exercised.
Financial terms of Fortune’s new contract were not disclosed. He was earning $120,000 in base salary and guaranteed compensation under his previous agreement, according to the MLSPA’s spring 2026 salary guide. His new salary is expected to be considerably higher. This will also move Fortune from Supplemental Slots 21 through 24 into one of Atlanta’s 20 Senior Roster positions, causing his salary-budget charge to count against the club’s available cap space. The move will also open his former Supplemental Roster position for another eligible player.
The announcement ended months of uncertainty surrounding one of Atlanta’s most important young players. Fortune’s expiring contract had become a concern as the season moved forward without an agreement. Jay's journey is a great example of what we hope to see from players coming through our Academy. He's worked hard to develop every aspect of his game and has grown into a player we trust and rely on. Just as importantly, he’s developed into a true professional and, despite his age, has quickly emerged as a player with strong leadership qualities. Jay has earned the respect of his teammates through his daily approach, and we're delighted to keep him with the club as he continues to take on an even bigger role in the years ahead. Chris Henderson, Chief Soccer Officer and Sporting Director Atlanta United 
His Journey to the First Team
Henderson’s description of Fortune taking on “an even bigger role” reflects how far the midfielder has progressed since joining Atlanta’s Academy in 2018. Fortune moved from Raleigh, North Carolina, to the Atlanta area at 16 and played for the club’s U-17 and U-19 teams before reaching the professional level.
According to Doug Roberson, Fortune is the first Homegrown player in Atlanta United history to receive a senior, multiyear contract. Previous Atlanta Homegrowns were eventually sold, traded or allowed to leave when their options were not exercised.
Fortune made his Atlanta United 2 debut on July 11, 2020, and developed into a regular part of its midfield. He started 52 of his 68 appearances across the USL Championship and MLS NEXT Pro, contributing four goals and one assist. He also captained the second team before earning his First Team contract.
Atlanta signed Fortune to a Homegrown contract that took effect Jan. 1, 2023. He made his MLS debut against Charlotte FC on March 11 and appeared 17 times during his first season, including all three matches against the Columbus Crew in the opening round of the MLS Cup Playoffs.
Fortune’s role grew during the 2024 season. He made 27 MLS appearances, started 13 times and recorded one goal and two assists. His first MLS goal came at Charlotte on Aug. 31 and gave Atlanta a 1-0 victory.
He remained involved throughout the opening half of 2025, making 15 appearances and scoring once.
Injury History
Fortune made 15 appearances and scored once during the opening half of the 2025 season. His season ended after he suffered a serious left foot injury while representing Trinidad and Tobago in the Concacaf Gold Cup. Atlanta identified the injury as a mid-foot sprain that required surgery and ruled him out for at least six months. After nearly 10 months away from MLS competition, Fortune returned against the Columbus Crew on April 4, 2026. He scored twice in 10 appearances, including five starts, as he rebuilt his place in Atlanta’s midfield.
Fortune’s return was interrupted 11 minutes into Atlanta’s July 17 match at Nashville when he suffered a left hamstring strain. He was nearing the end of his recovery when he strained his other hamstring after returning to training, adding another three to four weeks to his absence.
The three injuries may appear to establish a troubling pattern, but their circumstances provide important context. The foot injury was an isolated incident during the Gold Cup rather than a recurring physical problem. His hamstring strains followed surgery and nearly 10 months away from MLS competition as he worked to restore his fitness for full training and match play.
Muscle injuries of this type can occur as a player rebuilds fitness after such a lengthy absence. Atlanta also has access to Fortune’s complete medical history and has monitored his rehabilitation throughout the process. The length of the new contract suggests the club does not consider the injuries an obstacle to his long-term future.
The extension also provides a new example for players progressing through Atlanta’s Academy and second team. Fortune’s pathway now continues beyond the initial Homegrown contract and into an established place on the Senior Roster.
Fortune must still complete his recovery and reclaim his place in Atlanta’s midfield. His new contract gives him the time to do so while allowing Atlanta to build around a player who has spent more than eight years developing within the organization.