Columbus is officially joining the NWSL as the league's 18th expansion team, with the Haslam Sports Group, Nationwide, and Drs. Christine and Pete Edwards steering the franchise toward a 2028 debut.
But the city's soccer pedigree already runs deep. ScottsMiracle-Gro Field, where the new team will be based, has hosted 13 USWNT matches and multiple 2003 FIFA Women's World Cup games.
Entering a New Chapter for NWSL Teams in Columbus
Fans will get a preview of a women's home team environment this week when the NWSL Challenge Cup comes to the city on Friday.
The single-match competition will pit defending champion Gotham FC against 2025 Shield winner Kansas City Current. With the league on break for the 2026 Men's World Cup, the event is the only women's soccer match on the calendar this month.
"I think it's a great sort of taste of what this league will be like once we're playing in 2028 here," Columbus Crew President of Business Operations Mary Shepro told Axios.
Behind the scenes, the ownership group is in a sprint to bring the women's game to Columbus. Plans for a McCoy Park training facility face a September rezoning vote despite an October groundbreaking target. A team name and brand launch are expected later this year, with community input.
Shepro emphasized that though the city has a men's MLS squad, the NWSL operation won't play second fiddle to the Crew, pointing to very little crossover between MLS and NWSL fan bases.
"We envision these teams as siblings, but that doesn't mean they're identical twins," she said.
Where to Watch the 2026 NWSL Challenge Cup Game
Celebrations surrounding the 2026 NWSL Challenge Cup in Columbus begin Thursday, with the match scheduled for Friday at 8 PM ET on Prime.
