NWSL: Columbus Awarded Expansion Franchise as League’s 18th Club

Staff Writer
4 days ago
3 min read

NATIONAL SOCCER NEWS: www.nationalsoccernetwork.com

COLUMBUS, Ohio — The National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) officially announced today that Columbus has been awarded the league’s 18th franchise. Set to begin play in 2028, the expansion club brings professional women’s soccer to a city widely regarded as the "Heart of American Soccer."

The new franchise will be led by a powerhouse local ownership group consisting of Haslam Sports Group (HSG), Nationwide, and Drs. Christine and Pete Edwards. The group brings a combined 100 years of leadership and investment experience in the sports industry, including the successful stewardship of the MLS’s Columbus Crew.

A Rich Soccer Tradition Meets a New Era

The decision to expand to Central Ohio follows years of proven support for the sport in the region. Columbus has previously hosted 13 U.S. Women’s National Team matches (boasting a 10-1-2 record) and the 2003 FIFA Women’s World Cup.

"As the NWSL continues its rapid growth, expanding to Columbus is a natural next step," said NWSL Commissioner Jessica Berman. "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."

Elite Facilities and Community Investment

The club, currently referred to by the interim name Columbus NWSL 2028, will play its home matches at the award-winning ScottsMiracle-Gro Field. Plans are already underway to construct a premier, women-specific training center designed to maximize athlete performance and player pathways for youth development.

Beyond the pitch, the franchise has pledged a significant $12 million community investment over 12 years. These funds are dedicated to:

Early childhood education and support for educators.
Neighborhood food security initiatives.
Promoting youth soccer and healthy lifestyles across Central Ohio.

The Ownership Group: Stewards of Excellence

The partnership brings together three entities deeply woven into the fabric of Ohio sports:

Haslam Sports Group: Owners of the Cleveland Browns and operators of the Columbus Crew, HSG has a proven record of world-class facility development and championship-winning operations.
Nationwide: A national partner of the NWSL since 2021 and a staple of the Columbus business community for 100 years.
The Edwards Family: Longtime pillars of the Columbus soccer community, the family played an integral role in the "Save the Crew" movement and has supported the sport in Ohio for over three decades.

"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," said Whitney Haslam Johnson, HSG Managing Partner. "The NWSL will have a significant impact on Columbus within and beyond sports, now and for future generations."

How to Join the Movement

Fans can officially begin the journey toward 2028 by becoming Founding Members. A $28 deposit per ticket secures priority for seat selection during the historic inaugural season.

Founding Member Deposits: Available now at www.columbusnwsl2028.com.
Community Event: A free, family-friendly "Columbus NWSL 2028 Community Event" will be held on May 9 at ScottsMiracle-Gro Field, featuring soccer experiences on the pitch and interactions with notable women athletes and leaders.

As the city prepares to host matches for the LA28 Olympic Football Tournaments, the arrival of the NWSL cements Columbus's status as a premier global destination for the beautiful game.