National Women’s Soccer League Expands to Columbus; Team Debuts in 2028
Columbus is set to welcome a National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) team by 2028. This decision was announced on April 21, following the Haslam Sports Group’s bid to establish a professional women’s soccer presence in the area.
Expansion of NWSL to Columbus
The addition of Columbus marks the NWSL’s 18th franchise. NWSL Commissioner Jessica Berman expressed enthusiasm about the expansion, noting Columbus’s rich soccer heritage and strong community support for the sport. She highlighted the commitment of the ownership group to women’s athletics.
Ownership and Management
The team’s ownership group includes notable figures:
- Jimmy and Dee Haslam, majority owners of the Columbus Crew and the Cleveland Browns.
- Columbus-based Nationwide Insurance.
- Dr. Pete Edwards, a minority owner of the Crew.
- J.W. Johnson and Whitney Haslam Johnson from Haslam Sports Group.
Whitney Haslam Johnson expressed excitement about the opportunity to bring the NWSL to Columbus, emphasizing their investment in Ohio.
Team Naming and Debut
Until a formal team name, colors, and crest are established through fan input, the franchise will be known as Columbus NWSL 2028. Fans can reserve tickets with a $28 deposit per seat via their website.
Stadium and Facilities
The new NWSL team will host its games at ScottsMiracle-Gro Field, which serves as a home for the Crew. The announcement follows approvals from the Columbus City Council and Franklin County for essential public funding.
Funding for Facilities
Both the city and the county will invest $25 million each to support enhancements. The funds will create a new training facility at McCoy Park and upgrade existing stadium facilities. This funding relies on bonds, with the city implementing a 2% ticket tax to repay its debt. The county will utilize fees and non-tax revenue.
Community and Economic Impact
The Franklin County Commissioners voted in favor of the funding deal on April 21, while the Columbus City Council made a closer decision, passing the deal by a 5-3 vote. Concerns about the use of McCoy Park were voiced, leading to amendments requiring the city to identify a new site for future upgrades.
Moreover, the private ownership group committed to a $3 million investment in McCoy Park and will contribute an additional $12 million to local initiatives over the next 12 years, focusing on childhood education and workforce development.
Record Expansion Fee
The owners reportedly paid a $205 million expansion fee, a record in the league, significantly higher than the $2 million fee from five years ago. City officials stated that the total investment to establish the franchise will exceed $300 million.
