Columbus, Ohio, has been officially designated as the next city to host an expansion team in the National Women's Soccer League (NWSL), with the new franchise scheduled to commence play in 2028. This development signifies a significant milestone for the league, bringing its total number of teams to eighteen, and underscores the growing prominence of women's professional soccer across the United States. The ownership group, a formidable consortium including the Haslam Sports Group, Nationwide insurance, and the medical duo Drs. Christine and Pete Edwards, signals a robust and committed backing for the future success of the team in a city already recognized for its passionate soccer fan base.
The NWSL's decision to expand into Columbus was announced by Commissioner Jessica Berman, who emphasized the city's strong connection to soccer and the profound investment in women's sports demonstrated by the new ownership collective. Berman articulated the league's enthusiasm for introducing its highly competitive women's soccer environment to Columbus, anticipating that the community will embrace this opportunity with great fervor and redefine its engagement with the sport. The addition of Columbus follows the recent debuts of Boston Legacy FC and Denver Summit FC this season, with Atlanta also slated to join the league alongside Columbus in 2028, further illustrating the NWSL's strategic and rapid growth trajectory.
The Haslam Sports Group, known for its extensive portfolio in professional sports, which includes the NFL's Cleveland Browns and MLS's Columbus Crew, alongside a stake in the NBA's Milwaukee Bucks, brings substantial experience and resources to the new NWSL venture. Whitney Haslam Johnson, a managing partner with HSG, conveyed the family's excitement about contributing to the establishment of an NWSL team in Columbus and deepening their investment in Ohio. She articulated a strong belief in the transformative power of women's sports and expressed humility in joining what is regarded as the premier women's soccer league globally. Johnson highlighted the unique ability of sports to unite communities and foresees the NWSL team making a lasting positive impact on Columbus, benefiting both current and future generations.
While the team's official identity—including its name, colors, and crest—is yet to be finalized, the ownership group plans to involve fans across Ohio in this selection process, fostering a sense of community and regional pride. The team will call ScottsMiracle-Gro Field its home ground, sharing the 20,000-seat stadium with the Columbus Crew. This venue has a distinguished history of hosting top-tier women's soccer, notably serving as the site for thirteen matches involving the U.S. Women's National Team, where they boast an impressive record of ten wins, one loss, and two draws, including a victorious performance in the 2024 SheBelieves Cup final. This established history at the stadium portends a vibrant and successful future for Columbus's newest professional sports franchise.
Columbus is poised to become a significant hub for women's professional soccer, as the NWSL continues its strategic expansion. With a dedicated ownership group, a rich local soccer culture, and a state-of-the-art facility, the new franchise is well-positioned to thrive and contribute to the league's growing influence. The forthcoming team promises to engage the community and reinforce the burgeoning landscape of women's sports.
