Full Breakdown
Columbus Welcomes NWSL's 18th Franchise Set to Launch in 2028
4/22/2026, 2:05:00 AM
Announcement of the New Franchise
The National Women's Soccer League (NWSL) has officially awarded its 18th franchise to Columbus, Ohio, with plans for the team to begin play in 2028. The ownership group is led by the Haslam Sports Group, which also owns the Columbus Crew in Major League Soccer (MLS), alongside Nationwide Insurance and Drs. Christine and Pete Edwards. The group will pay a record expansion fee of $205 million, surpassing the previous record of $165 million paid by Atlanta, which will also join the league in 2028.
Infrastructure and Community Investment
The new NWSL team will play its home games at ScottsMiracle-Gro Field, the same venue as the Columbus Crew. The Haslam Sports Group plans to invest over $300 million in the franchise, which includes the construction of a state-of-the-art training facility at McCoy Park. This facility will be complemented by upgrades to the stadium, with funding partially sourced from a $50 million public-private partnership, where both the city and Franklin County will contribute $25 million each. The funding will be recouped through a 2% ticket tax on events at the stadium.
Community Response and Controversies
The decision to locate the training facility at McCoy Park has sparked controversy among local residents and council members, who expressed concerns about the loss of public green space. The Columbus City Council narrowly approved the funding deal after contentious discussions, with some members advocating for the preservation of the park. In response to community concerns, the council added amendments requiring the identification of a new park site and a $3 million investment from the ownership group for the new park.
Strategic Importance of the Expansion
NWSL Commissioner Jessica Berman emphasized the significance of Columbus as a market with a rich soccer tradition and a strong track record of support for the sport. The city has hosted 13 U.S. Women's National Team matches, indicating a robust local fan base. Berman noted that the expansion to Columbus aligns with the league's strategy to enhance its presence in markets with proven support for soccer.
Official Statements and Perspectives
Whitney Haslam Johnson, managing partner of the Haslam Sports Group, stated, "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." Nationwide CEO Kirt Walker echoed this sentiment, highlighting the potential for the team to inspire young athletes across Central Ohio.
Criticism and Opposition
Despite the excitement surrounding the new franchise, some council members and residents have criticized the decision-making process, arguing that the administration prioritized the soccer team over pressing community needs. Councilwoman Tiara Ross remarked, "This is not how we build trust," reflecting concerns about the implications for the underserved neighborhoods around McCoy Park.
What's Next for Columbus NWSL
As the franchise prepares for its inaugural season in 2028, the focus will be on building a competitive team and engaging with the local community to finalize the team's branding and identity. The ownership group aims to create a positive impact both on and off the pitch, fostering a strong connection with Columbus residents.
Verbatim Quotes
- "As the NWSL continues its rapid growth, expanding to Columbus is a natural next step." — Jessica Berman, NWSL Commissioner
- "We are going to sell out the stadium — just like we do every Crew game." — Haslam Sports Group representative
- "This is very historic. We couldn't be more thrilled and honored to be part of this group." — Dr. Pete Edwards, Ownership Partner
- "Public-private partnerships are really important." — Whitney Haslam Johnson, HSG Managing Partner
The Columbus NWSL team is set to become a significant player in the landscape of women's sports, with the potential to elevate the profile of women's soccer in Ohio and beyond.
