The Atlanta Sports Council (ASC) today announced the return of the Atlanta Sports Awards, its annual celebration of the athletes, teams, coaches, executives and individuals who make Atlanta one of the nation’s leading sports cities. The revamped program will feature new categories that showcase the people, moments and organizations shaping Atlanta sports. 

Chris Womack, chairman, president and CEO of Southern Company, will be honored during the program as the inaugural recipient of the ACT Award, presented by Coca-Cola. Womack, who previously served as chair of the Atlanta Sports Council’s board of directors in 2011 and 2012, will be recognized for his corporate leadership, community investment, and support for major sporting events.

The private Dec. 9 event will mark the return of Atlanta Sports Council’s in-person celebration of the Atlanta sports community. Broadcast of the Atlanta Sports Awards, produced in partnership with 11Alive, will air on Friday, Jan. 8, 2027, at 8 p.m. on WXIA-TV/11Alive, with additional broadcasts throughout January on WXIA and WATL in addition to streaming on 11Alive’s free CTV app.

“The Atlanta Sports Awards have always been an important way for us to celebrate the people and moments that make Atlanta such a special sports city, and we’re excited to bring the program back in a new and refreshed way,” said Dan Corso, president of the Atlanta Sports Council. “Partnering with 11Alive gives us an incredible platform to tell these stories and recognize the athletes, teams and leaders who continue to make an impact across our community. We’re looking forward to building on the history of the Atlanta Sports Awards while creating something that feels new and exciting for Atlanta.” 

This year’s event will introduce a new honor – the ACT Award, presented by Coca-Cola. The ACT Award will annually recognize an individual whose leadership, service and commitment have made a meaningful and lasting impact on Atlanta’s sports community while creating opportunities for others. 

Womack will be the inaugural recipient of the honor, recognizing his leadership around major sporting events and community initiatives that elevate communities, foster unity, contribute to local economies, and bring people together. Under his leadership, Southern Company has expanded its partnership with the PGA TOUR’s TOUR Championship at East Lake Golf Club, an event that has raised more than $71 million for local charities since 1998. Southern Company has also been a strong supporter of Atlanta’s professional sports teams and major sporting events, including supporting the Georgia Teachers Initiative in connection with the 2025 College Football Playoff National Championship and serving as one of Atlanta’s five official Host City Supporters for FIFA World Cup 2026™.

“Chris Womack is a legend in the Atlanta business community, and he has used his platform to elevate Atlanta as a leading sports destination,” said Corso. “He is a tremendous example of leadership that makes a difference today while helping build a stronger future for Atlanta’s sports community.”

The Atlanta Sports Awards began in 2006 as an annual gathering featuring the community leaders, athletes, executives and brands that drive one of America’s great sports cities. The in-person event was canceled after the pandemic, and the awards were transitioned to a television broadcast only. For 2027, the reimagined event will coincide with the introduction of several new award categories, including: 

• Game of the Year – Celebrating the most thrilling, memorable, and impactful game of the season – one that delivered unforgettable moments and kept fans talking long after the final whistle. 
• Top Viral Moment – Celebrating the unforgettable moment that captured attention, sparked conversation, and took the internet by storm.
• Top ATL Newcomer – Celebrating a standout newcomer who made an immediate impact and impressed fans in their first season in Atlanta.

The return of the Atlanta Sports Awards will coincide with another new ASC initiative: The A, an annual magazine created in partnership with Atlanta Magazine. Launching in January 2027, The A will tell the stories of the people, events and moments that define Atlanta’s sports landscape and further highlight the city’s position as a premier destination for sports.

The annual Atlanta Sports Awards are made possible through the support of The Home Depot, Coca-Cola, Truist, Mercedes-Benz USA, Georgia Power and AMB Sports and Entertainment, whose continued partnership helps the Atlanta Sports Council celebrate the people, teams and moments that make Atlanta one of the nation’s premier sports cities.

ATLANTA SPORTS AWARDS BROADCAST SCHEDULE

• Friday, Jan. 8 at 8 p.m. – WXIA (Main Air Date)
• Saturday, Jan. 9 at 6 p.m. – WATL
• Friday, Jan. 15 at 8 p.m. – WATL
• Saturday, Jan. 16 at 7 p.m. – WXIA
• Sunday, Jan. 24 at 11 a.m. – WXIA

Additional details surrounding the Atlanta Sports Awards, including award categories, nominees and the December celebration event, will be announced in the coming months.