NWSL Announces Columbus, Ohio as Home of Newest Expansion Club

The announcement from the National Women’s Soccer League on Tuesday morning landed with a distinct thud in Columbus, Ohio, not just as another expansion franchise but as a tangible signal of the city’s evolving identity in the national sports landscape. For a place long associated with the scarlet and gray of Ohio State and the relentless pursuit of the MLS Cup by the Crew, the awarding of the league’s 18th team to an ownership group led by Haslam Sports Group, alongside Nationwide and Drs. Christine and Pete Edwards, represents more than just a new ticket to buy—it’s a deliberate investment in the future of women’s professional sports right here in Central Ohio, set to begin play in 2028 at the renovated ScottsMiracle-Gro Field downtown.

This development doesn’t exist in a vacuum; it builds upon a foundation of soccer culture that has been growing steadily for decades. Columbus has historically punched above its weight in supporting the sport, from the fervent crowds at historic Crew matches to the robust youth participation seen in leagues across Franklin County and the surrounding suburbs like Dublin, Westerville and Grove City. The NWSL’s decision, highlighted by Commissioner Jessica Berman’s emphasis on Columbus’s “rich soccer tradition” and “proven track record of support,” validates years of grassroots effort. It also aligns with broader national trends where the NWSL, fueled by increased visibility following USWNT successes and strategic partnerships, is aggressively expanding its footprint—this Columbus franchise joining the Atlanta team slated for 2028 to reach 18 clubs, a significant milestone reflecting the league’s maturing commercial viability and cultural relevance.

The specifics of the local impact are already taking shape, grounded in verifiable plans. The ownership consortium’s commitment extends beyond merely fielding a team; Haslam Sports Group Managing Partner Whitney Haslam Johnson confirmed to ESPN that the group will invest in a bespoke training facility on the city’s southwest side, a move designed to provide elite-level resources specifically for the NWSL athletes. ScottsMiracle-Gro Field, the current home of the Columbus Crew MLS team located in the Arena District near Nationwide Boulevard and Spring Street, will undergo renovations ahead of the 2028 season to include a custom locker room for the new NWSL squad. This co-tenancy model, while requiring careful scheduling, leverages existing infrastructure—a pragmatic approach seen in other markets—and underscores the deep integration planned between the men’s and women’s professional soccer entities under the Haslam Sports Group umbrella, which also holds interests in the Cleveland Browns (NFL) and Milwaukee Bucks (NBA).

Beyond the stadium and training grounds, the ripple effects touch numerous facets of community life. The announcement emphasized the group’s mission to “elevate and unite Central Ohio” through sport, explicitly mentioning commitments to advancing education and youth soccer initiatives. This suggests potential future collaborations with institutions like Columbus City Schools, Ohio State University’s athletic department, or nonprofit organizations such as Soccer Without Borders Columbus, which uses the sport to support refugee and immigrant youth. The economic dimension, while not detailed in the specific dollar figures for local impact beyond the reported $205 million expansion fee paid to the league, points towards job creation—from front-office staff and coaching personnel to matchday operations and hospitality roles—and increased visitor spending on game days, potentially benefiting businesses in the Short North, the Pearl District, or along the Scioto Mile.

Given my background in analyzing the intersection of sports, urban development, and community engagement, if this significant shift towards expanded women’s professional sports impacts you in Columbus—whether you’re a parent considering athletic pathways for your child, a local business owner anticipating changing footfall patterns, or a civic leader focused on inclusive growth—here are three types of local professionals you should consider connecting with as these plans materialize towards 2028:

• Youth Sports Program Directors & Coaches: Look for individuals or organizations with proven experience in developing inclusive, accessible soccer programs that prioritize long-term athlete development over short-term wins, ideally those already collaborating with schools or recreation departments in areas like Hilliard or Reynoldsburg, and who demonstrate a clear understanding of how to align grassroots efforts with the emerging professional pathway being created by the NWSL franchise.
• Urban Planners Specializing in Sports & Entertainment Districts: Seek professionals familiar with the unique zoning, transportation, and infrastructure demands of integrating major sports facilities into urban fabric, particularly those with experience working on projects involving the Arena District, Nationwide Arena, or the historic preservation considerations near ScottsMiracle-Gro Field, who can assist navigate the complexities of shared use and maximize community benefits beyond game days.
• Community Impact Strategists for Sports Organizations: Identify consultants or nonprofit leaders with a track record in designing and measuring authentic community investment strategies tied to sports franchises—those who understand how to move beyond ticket sales to create meaningful programs in education, health, and workforce development, ideally with established relationships with anchors like Nationwide Children’s Hospital, Columbus State Community College, or the Columbus Foundation.

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