The NWSL is officially on the move, tapping its 18th team after accepting a record $205 million expansion bid from Columbus, Ohio.
Haslam Sports Group — owner of the Crew (MLS), Browns (NFL), and Bucks (NBA) — is behind the expansion franchise. The group receives additional backing from Nationwide and Drs. Christine and Pete Edwards.
“We believe sports are one of the greatest unifiers of today's world,” said managing partner Whitney Haslam Johnson. “We believe in the power of women's sports and are honored to be part of the No. 1 women's soccer league in the world.”
The club will share ScottsMiracle-Go Field with its MLS counterpart upon its 2028 debut. A dedicated training facility is also in the works.
Columbus's $205 million expansion fee marks a new high for the NWSL. It far surpasses the $165 million incoming 17th club Atlanta paid in 2025.
The city of Columbus and Franklin County will each contribute $25 million toward infrastructure. The council subsequently passed the measure despite local pushback over plans to build on public parkland.
“We are setting a new standard for what's possible in women's soccer,” NWSL Commissioner Jessica Berman said. “Columbus is that next chapter in the story.”
