Columbus, Ohio, has been awarded an NWSL expansion franchise set to begin play in 2028. The ownership group will pay a record $205 million expansion fee.
The National Women's Soccer League has announced that Columbus, Ohio, has been awarded an expansion franchise, which will enter the league in 2028.
The team will be owned by a group of investors including the Haslam Sports Group (HSG), Drs. Pete and Christine Edwards, and Nationwide Realty Investors LLC.
Per multiple reports, the group will pay an NWSL-record expansion fee of $205 million to join the league.
The Columbus team will join a new franchise in Atlanta to take the league up to 18 teams when they both begin play in two years.
The team will play at ScottsMiracle-Gro Field downtown, home of the Columbus Crew in MLS. The HSG and Drs. Pete and Christine Edwards are also co-owners of the Crew.
The HSG also owns the NFL's Cleveland Browns and is co-owner of the NBA's Milwaukee Bucks.
âAs 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 womenâs sports," said NWSL commissioner Jessica Berman.
âWeâre excited to bring the worldâs most competitive womenâs soccer league to Columbus and to see this community embrace the game in a new way.â
The two 2028 teams will continue a period of rapid expansion for the NWSL, which had 10 teams as recently as the 2021 season. Since then, the league added the San Diego Wave and Angel City FC in 2022, the Utah Royals and Bay FC in 2024, and Boston Legacy FC and Denver Summit FC this year.
This will be the first time an NWSL franchise calls Ohio home.
March 22: San Diego Wave FC's Laurina Fazer (left) and the Utah Royals' Cece Delzer battle for possession during the first half at America First Field. The San Diego Wave won the game, 2-1.
March 21: The North Carolina Courage's Riley Jackson (right) fights for the ball against Gotham FC's Esther GonzĂĄlez (9) and Jessica Carter (27) during the first half at Sports Illustrated Stadium. The match ended in a 0-0 draw.
Q&A
What is the expansion fee for the Columbus NWSL franchise?
The expansion fee for the Columbus NWSL franchise is a record $205 million.
When will the Columbus NWSL team start playing?
The Columbus NWSL team will begin play in 2028.
Who are the owners of the Columbus NWSL franchise?
The Columbus NWSL franchise will be owned by the Haslam Sports Group, Drs. Pete and Christine Edwards, and Nationwide Realty Investors LLC.
Where will the Columbus NWSL team play its home games?
The Columbus NWSL team will play its home games at ScottsMiracle-Gro Field in downtown Columbus.
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March 21: Houston Dash midfielder Kiki Van Zanten (12) controls the ball as Boston Legacy FC defender Jorelyn CarabalĂ (16) defends during the first half at Shell Energy Stadium. Houston won the game, 3-0.
March 14: North Carolina Courage fans hold yellow and red cards during second half against the Racing Louisville FC at First Horizon Stadium at WakeMed Soccer Park. North Carolina won the match, 2-1.
March 14: A Volaris airplane flies over the stadium during the Bay FC vs. Denver Summit FC game at PayPal Park in San Jose, California. Bay FC won the match, 2-1, in what was the first-ever game for the Denver Summit.
March 14: Utah Royals midfielder Janni Thomsen (7) dribbles up field against the Kansas City Current during the second half at CPKC Stadium. Kansas City won the match, 2-1.
March 14: Boston Legacy FC midfielder Alba Caño (26) and NY/NJ Gotham FC midfielder Jaedyn Shaw (10) battle for the ball during the first half of the game at Gillette Stadium. Gotham FC won the match - the first in Boston Legacy FC history - 1-0.
March 13: The Washington Spirit get ready for a corner kick during the second half against the Portland Thorns at Audi Field. Portland won the NWSL 2026 season opener, 1-0.
1 / 8
NWSL action, goals, scenes and drama from 2026 season
March 22: San Diego Wave FC's Laurina Fazer (left) and the Utah Royals' Cece Delzer battle for possession during the first half at America First Field. The San Diego Wave won the game, 2-1.
1 / 8
NWSL action, goals, scenes and drama from 2026 season
March 22: San Diego Wave FC's Laurina Fazer (left) and the Utah Royals' Cece Delzer battle for possession during the first half at America First Field. The San Diego Wave won the game, 2-1.
2 / 8
NWSL action, goals, scenes and drama from 2026 season
March 21: The North Carolina Courage's Riley Jackson (right) fights for the ball against Gotham FC's Esther GonzĂĄlez (9) and Jessica Carter (27) during the first half at Sports Illustrated Stadium. The match ended in a 0-0 draw.
3 / 8
NWSL action, goals, scenes and drama from 2026 season
March 21: Houston Dash midfielder Kiki Van Zanten (12) controls the ball as Boston Legacy FC defender Jorelyn CarabalĂ (16) defends during the first half at Shell Energy Stadium. Houston won the game, 3-0.
4 / 8
NWSL action, goals, scenes and drama from 2026 season
March 14: North Carolina Courage fans hold yellow and red cards during second half against the Racing Louisville FC at First Horizon Stadium at WakeMed Soccer Park. North Carolina won the match, 2-1.
5 / 8
NWSL action, goals, scenes and drama from 2026 season
March 14: A Volaris airplane flies over the stadium during the Bay FC vs. Denver Summit FC game at PayPal Park in San Jose, California. Bay FC won the match, 2-1, in what was the first-ever game for the Denver Summit.
6 / 8
NWSL action, goals, scenes and drama from 2026 season
March 14: Utah Royals midfielder Janni Thomsen (7) dribbles up field against the Kansas City Current during the second half at CPKC Stadium. Kansas City won the match, 2-1.
7 / 8
NWSL action, goals, scenes and drama from 2026 season
March 14: Boston Legacy FC midfielder Alba Caño (26) and NY/NJ Gotham FC midfielder Jaedyn Shaw (10) battle for the ball during the first half of the game at Gillette Stadium. Gotham FC won the match - the first in Boston Legacy FC history - 1-0.
8 / 8
NWSL action, goals, scenes and drama from 2026 season
March 13: The Washington Spirit get ready for a corner kick during the second half against the Portland Thorns at Audi Field. Portland won the NWSL 2026 season opener, 1-0.
âColumbus is very important to our family. For over 30 years, weâve supported the Columbus Crew and MLS. Weâve 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,â said Dr. Christine Edwards.
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
