NWSL Awards Expansion Franchise to Columbus, Ohio, for Record $205M Fee

The National Women’s Soccer League has announced that it has awarded its 18th franchise to Columbus, Ohio.

Set to begin play in 2028, the club will be owned by Haslam Sports Group, Nationwide and Drs. Christine and Pete Edwards.

The expansion team will temporarily be named Columbus NWSL 2028 until an official team name, colors and crest are chosen, with fans across Ohio invited to share their input. Its home games will be at the 20,000-capacity ScottsMiracle-Gro Field and the players will train at a premier training center that will be constructed in time for the 2028 campaign.

The successful NWSL Columbus 2028 movement was founded on a desire to create teams that can consistently compete for championships on the pitch and to promote education and youth soccer across the city.

Columbus will join a league that already consists of the following teams: Angel City FC, Bay FC, Boston Legacy FC, Chicago Stars FC, Denver Summit FC, Gotham FC, Houston Dash, Kansas City Current, North Carolina Courage, NWSL Atlanta, NWSL Columbus, Orlando Pride, Portland Thorns FC, Racing Louisville FC, San Diego Wave FC, Seattle Reign FC, Utah Royals FC and Washington Spirit.

“As the NWSL continues its rapid growth, expanding to Columbus is a natural next step. This is a city with a rich soccer tradition, a proven track record of support at the highest level, and an ownership group making meaningful, long-term investments in women’s sports, said NWSL Commissioner Jessica Berman. “We’re excited to bring the world’s most competitive women’s soccer league to Columbus and to see this community embrace the game in a new way.”

“Our family is thrilled to help bring an NWSL team to Columbus and further invest in Ohio, with the honor of bringing the 18th team into the league,” said Haslam Sports Group Managing Partner Whitney Haslam Johnson. “We believe in the power of women’s sports and are humbled to be part of the number one women’s soccer league in the world. Sports are one of today’s greatest unifiers and are incredible for their communities.

“The NWSL will have a significant impact on Columbus within and beyond sports, now and for future generations.”

“Today’s announcement is about inspiring young athletes across Central Ohio, elevating women’s professional sports and reminding the world that Columbus is a first-class sports city,” said Nationwide CEO Kirt Walker. “As Nationwide marks 100 years, this is a powerful way to celebrate our milestone with the community that has been our home from the very beginning.”

Growing Sports Portfolio

As well as NWSL Columbus 2028, Haslam Sports Group also owns the NFL’s Cleveland Browns and operating rights to Major League Soccer franchise Columbus Crew, co-owns the Milwaukee Bucks, and has investments in HSG Ventures, HSG Facilities and the WNBA. Since acquiring Columbus Crew in 2019, the ownership group has achieved the completion of ScottsMiracle-Gro Field and the OhioHealth Performance Center.

ScottsMiracle-Gro Field has also been selected as a host venue for the LA28 Olympic Football (Soccer) Tournament at the 2028 Los Angeles Olympic and Paralympic Summer Games.

Record Expansion Fee

It is reported that the Columbus franchise is joining the NWSL for an expansion fee totaling $205 million.

That total would be a record for the league and almost double the $100 million fee that was paid by Denver Summit last year to become the 16th NWSL team. Meanwhile, the new Atlanta franchise that will begin play and launched just six months ago paid a $165 million expansion fee.

Sources have confirmed to The Athletic that Haslam Sports Group would likely have to secure at least $300 million in private funding to be able to cover the high expansion fee, including investment for infrastructure, facilities, players and staff salaries.