NWSL Announces Columbus as League's 18th Team with Record $205 Million Expansion Fee
The National Women's Soccer League (NWSL) has officially confirmed Columbus, Ohio, as the location for its next expansion franchise, marking the league's 18th team. The announcement was made jointly by the NWSL and the team's ownership consortium on Tuesday, revealing a groundbreaking expansion fee of $205 million, which sets a new record for the league.
Ownership and Financial Details
The Columbus franchise will be owned by the same consortium that operates the Columbus Crew of Major League Soccer (MLS). This ownership group is spearheaded by the Haslam Sports Group (HSG), which also holds ownership of the Cleveland Browns in the NFL and a stake in the NBA's Milwaukee Bucks. The reported $205 million expansion fee surpasses the previous high of $165 million paid by Arthur Blank for the Atlanta franchise, which is also scheduled to debut in 2028. This fee is notably higher than what most MLS teams have paid to enter that league, with only Charlotte FC and San Diego FC having invested more.
Stadium and Operational Plans
The team, which has yet to be named, will play its home matches at ScottsMiracle-Gro Field, the 20,000-seat stadium that currently serves as the home of the Columbus Crew. As part of the agreement, HSG has committed to modifying the stadium to include a dedicated locker room for the NWSL team. Additionally, the ownership group has reached a deal with the Columbus City Council to construct a training facility on city parkland. This aspect of the deal has sparked some controversy, as the park was slated for renovation and is located near underserved communities. In response, HSG will contribute $3 million towards the development of a new public park as part of the training facility agreement.
League Expansion and Growth
NWSL Commissioner Jessica Berman emphasized the strategic importance of this expansion, stating, "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. 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." The league has been actively expanding, with eight teams joining since 2020, including recent additions like Boston Legacy and Denver Summit, the latter of which set a league attendance record with over 63,000 fans at its inaugural home opener in March.
Future Outlook
With the Columbus team set to begin play in 2028 alongside the Atlanta franchise, the NWSL is positioning itself for continued growth and increased visibility in the sports landscape. The record-breaking expansion fee and significant investments in infrastructure underscore the league's rising prominence and the growing commercial appeal of women's professional soccer in the United States.
