NWSL awards expansion franchise to Columbus

The NWSL awarded an expansion franchise to Columbus on Tuesday, making the Ohio capital home to the league's 18th member starting in 2028.

The team is owned by the Haslam Sports Group, the Columbus-based Nationwide insurance company and Drs. Christine and Pete Edwards.

"As the NWSL continues its rapid growth, expanding to Columbus is a natural next step. This is a city with a rich soccer tradition, a proven track record of support at the highest level, and an ownership group making meaningful, long-term investments in women's sports, said NWSL commissioner Jessica Berman. "We're excited to bring the world's most competitive women's soccer league to Columbus and to see this community embrace the game in a new way."

Two new NWSL clubs debuted this season with Boston Legacy FC and Denver Summit FC. Atlanta was awarded a franchise last November and will join the league along with Columbus in 2028.

Haslam Sports Group also owns the NFL's Cleveland Browns and MLS' Columbus Crew and has a stake in the NBA's Milwaukee Bucks.

"Our family is thrilled to help bring an NWSL team to Columbus and further invest in Ohio, with the honor of bringing the 18th team into the league," HSG managing partner Whitney Haslam Johnson said. "We believe in the power of women's sports and are humbled to be part of the number one women's soccer league in the world. Sports are one of today's greatest unifiers and are incredible for their communities. The NWSL will have a significant impact on Columbus within and beyond sports, now and for future generations."

The Columbus squad will wait to choose an official team name, colors and crest in conjunction with the input from fans across Ohio.

The team will play at ScottsMiracle-Gro Field, the 20,000-seat home to the Crew. The U.S. Women's National Team has hosted 13 matches there, compiling a 10-1-2 record including a win in the 2024 SheBelieves Cup final.