On April 21, 2026, National Women's Soccer League Commissioner Jessica Berman is scheduled to deliver a pivotal announcement regarding the league's future in Columbus. This highly anticipated event follows recent developments, including a substantial financial commitment from Franklin County, signaling a potential new era for professional women's soccer in the city. The Haslam Sports Group, led by Jimmy and Dee Haslam, has been a driving force behind Columbus's bid to secure an NWSL franchise. If successful, Columbus would join as the 18th team, with inaugural matches projected for 2028, mirroring the timeline of the league's 17th addition, Atlanta.
Major Soccer Announcement Set for Columbus, Ohio
In a highly anticipated event on , National Women's Soccer League (NWSL) Commissioner Jessica Berman is poised to make a monumental announcement concerning the league's expansion in Columbus, Ohio. This announcement follows weeks of speculation and significant efforts by local stakeholders to bring a professional women's soccer team to the city.
Just hours before the scheduled press conference, the Franklin County Commissioners solidified their support by agreeing to contribute an impressive $25 million towards the construction of a state-of-the-art training facility for the prospective team. This crucial financial backing is a major boost for Columbus's bid, spearheaded by the Haslam Sports Group, co-owned by Jimmy and Dee Haslam, who also own the NFL's Cleveland Browns.
The press conference, which will be livestreamed, is expected to feature a distinguished panel of attendees, including Whitney Haslam Johnson, Managing Partner of Haslam Sports Group; Andrew Ginther, the Mayor of Columbus; Shannon Hardin, President of the City Council; Erica Crawley, Franklin County Commissioner; Kirt Walker, CEO of Nationwide; and Dr. Christine Edwards, a Crew investor. Their collective presence underscores the broad community and civic support for this initiative.
Should Columbus's bid be selected, it would mark the city as the 18th franchise in the NWSL. The league's growth trajectory suggests that if Columbus is awarded a team, its debut season could commence in 2028. This follows a similar timeline to the league's most recent expansion, with Atlanta joining as the 17th team, for which Arthur Blank's AMB Sports & Entertainment paid a reported $165 million expansion fee.
The decision to expand the NWSL to Columbus reflects the city's growing sports market and a passionate fan base for women's soccer. The public funding for the training facility highlights a strong partnership between private ownership and local government, aiming to establish a sustainable and successful professional sports entity. The community has shown considerable enthusiasm, with rallies and public hearings held in support of bringing the NWSL to Columbus, illustrating the deep desire for a women's professional soccer team.
The impending announcement could not only bring a new professional sports team to Columbus but also significantly boost the local economy, foster community pride, and inspire a new generation of female athletes. The commitment from various public and private entities demonstrates a unified vision for enhancing the city's sporting landscape and its dedication to promoting women's sports.
