Columbus awarded NWSL expansion team with record US$205m fee

The National Women’s Soccer League has awarded an expansion franchise to Columbus, taking the league to 18 clubs when the team begins play in 2028, as rising entry fees and investor demand continue to reshape the women’s football market in the US.Haslam Sports Group will lead the ownership group alongside Nationwide and Drs Christine and Pete Edwards, with the team expected to play at ScottsMiracle-Gro Field, the home of MLS side Columbus Crew.An NWSL spokesperson said the expansion fee is US$205m, a new league record that highlights how valuations have accelerated as the league expands and builds out its media and commercial platform.NWSL commissioner Jessica Berman said: “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.”Columbus will enter the league in the same year as Atlanta, which is also scheduled to debut in 2028, with the league continuing to add markets that can combine committed ownership capital with credible venue plans.The Columbus club’s name, colours and crest have not been announced, with the league saying the final identity will be developed with input from fans across Ohio.Stadium upgrades are planned ahead of launch, including dedicated facilities for the women’s team, as the ownership group positions the project as a standalone major-league property rather than a bolt-on to existing men’s operations.A central pillar of the bid is a proposed purpose-built training facility on McCoy Park, a plan that has generated local political scrutiny because it involves use of public land and public support tied to venue-related revenues.Columbus and Franklin County have each approved US$25m in support connected to the project, with the funding earmarked for infrastructure and venue improvements linked to the new team’s arrival.The public-private package reflects a broader trend in women’s sport where investors are seeking clearer pathways to facility control, premium matchday revenue and elite performance environments that can support sponsorship growth and talent recruitment.Dr. Christine Edwards said: “Columbus is very important to our family. For over 30 years, we’ve supported the Columbus Crew and MLS. We’ve seen how a men’s professional soccer team has brought people together and created a positive impact in our community. It's truly special to now welcome an NWSL club and the incredible women athletes who will also uplift our city on and off the pitch.“We're very excited to partner with Haslam Sports Group and Nationwide for NWSL Columbus 2028, and we can’t wait to share even more memorable moments with fans, especially during the Club’s first game at ScottsMiracle-Gro Field.”Columbus’ selection also reinforces the league’s preference, at this stage of expansion, for markets that can offer a top-tier stadium solution from day one while longer-term training and community commitments are delivered in parallel.The league has expanded rapidly in recent years, and the record entry price in Columbus is likely to reset benchmarks for future bidders as competition intensifies for the next wave of NWSL franchises.