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Columbus, Ohio, has been announced as the home of the NWSL's 18th franchise, set to join in 2026. The team will be owned by Haslam Sports Group, Nationwide, and Drs. Christine and Pete Edwards.
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Columbus has been confirmed as the home of the 18th NWSL franchise -Credit:Kirk Irwin/NWSL via Getty Images
(Kirk Irwin/NWSL via Getty Images)
With the Boston Legacy and Denver Summit having joined the NWSL as the 15th and 16th franchises in 2026, and Atlanta confirmed as the 17th as of 2028 back in November, the premier womenâs soccer league in the U.S. has revealed that it will add yet another team in two years' time.
In an announcement on Monday, Columbus, Ohio, was confirmed as the home of the NWSLâs 18th franchise. Haslam Sports Group, Nationwide, and Drs. Christine and Pete Edwards will serve as owners of the as-yet-unnamed team.
The franchise, which will receive and announce its name, colors, and crest at a later date, is set to play at ScottsMiracle-Gro Field - a soccer-specific stadium opened in 2021, which also serves as the home to the MLSâs Columbus Crew.
The Columbus NWSL team is set to begin play in 2026.
The team will be owned by Haslam Sports Group, Nationwide, and Drs. Christine and Pete Edwards.
Columbus's addition marks a new chapter in NWSL history, expanding the league to 18 teams.
Boston and Denver joined the NWSL as the 15th and 16th franchises in 2026, followed by Atlanta as the 17th in 2028.

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ScottsMiracle-Gro Field will be the home of Columbus' NWSL team -Credit:Kirk Irwin/NWSL via Getty Images
âOur 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,â HSG managing partner Whitney Haslam Johnson said.
âWe believe in the power of womenâs sports and are humbled to be part of the number one womenâs soccer league in the world. Sports are one of todayâs 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.â
Meanwhile, Dr. Christine Edwards also released a statement, saying, âColumbus is very important to our family. For over 30 years, weâve supported the Columbus Crew and MLS.
âWeâve seen how a menâs 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.
âWe're very excited to partner with Haslam Sports Group and Nationwide for NWSL Columbus 2028, and we canât wait to share even more memorable moments with fans, especially during the Clubâs first game at ScottsMiracle-Gro Field.â
NWSL commissioner Jessica Berman attended an unveiling ceremony at the soon-to-be home of Columbusâ latest major franchise, where she said the league was âsetting a new standard for what's possible in women's soccer, with a powerful signal of where women's sports is headed. Columbus is that next chapter in the story.
âThis is a city that has long been at the heart of American soccer, a community that understands the power of sport and the power of community.â
The NWSLâs continued growth was evident in late March when the Summit played its first-ever home game at Empower Field at Mile High, home of the NFLâs Denver Broncos. A one-off appearance at the storied venue, 63,004 fans turned out in support of their newest team, setting a league record.
Denver is set to hit the headlines this summer yet again upon the arrival of U.S. Womenâs National Team captain Lindsey Heaps, who will be joining her home state team upon the expiration of her deal with French giants OL Lyonnes.