A group led by the Haslam family from Columbus, Ohio, is actively exploring the opportunity to establish a National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) expansion team, sources confirmed to ESPN. This effort reflects growing interest in an NWSL Columbus expansion bid, aiming to bring professional women’s soccer to the city.
The Haslam Sports Group (HSG), headed by Dee and Jimmy Haslam, controls significant sports ownership stakes, including the NFL’s Cleveland Browns, MLS’ Columbus Crew, and co-ownership of the NBA’s Milwaukee Bucks. The prospective NWSL ownership consortium also involves family members Whitney Haslam Johnson and J.W. Johnson, alongside Dr. Pete Edwards’ family—who recently expanded their stake in the Crew—and NRI, the real estate investment branch of Nationwide, a Columbus insurance company.
Commitment to Expanding Women’s Soccer in Columbus
Haslam Sports Group issued a statement confirming exploratory talks with the NWSL, emphasizing their interest in the expanding women’s sports market.
“Haslam Sports Group consistently evaluates various investment opportunities across the sports and entertainment industry,”
the group stated.
“On behalf of a partnership including NRI and the Haslam, Johnson and Edwards families, HSG has held exploratory conversations with the NWSL.”
They added,
“We are excited to continue those conversations and further assess the best direction for all parties. With the growth of women’s sports and the NWSL, the prospect of an expansion franchise for the City of Columbus, Franklin County and passionate soccer fans across Ohio is incredibly appealing.”
Columbus Among Leading Candidates for NWSL’s Next Team
Columbus is identified as one of several serious contenders to host the NWSL’s 18th franchise, though no final decision or timeline has been announced. An NWSL spokesperson told ESPN,
“While we don’t comment on specific markets or pending bids, we continue to engage in a deliberate, rolling expansion process with a number of world-class potential ownership groups as we look toward the future of the league.”
The league recently confirmed Atlanta as the 17th team, backed by AMB Sports under Arthur Blank, setting a record with a $165 million franchise fee and planning a 2028 start. Insiders familiar with the Columbus bid reveal that the local group also aims for a 2028 kickoff.
Facilities and Planned Venues for the Columbus Franchise
According to sources, the Columbus NWSL team would likely play at ScottsMiracle-Gro Field, home to the MLS Crew. Some preliminary design steps have been made toward securing a dedicated training facility for the women’s team. The upcoming NWSL Challenge Cup game on June 26 at ScottsMiracle-Gro Field, featuring last year’s Shield winner Kansas City Current against Gotham FC, underscores the Haslams’ serious engagement with the league.
The Crew previously played at a stadium north of downtown before moving to the new downtown stadium in 2021 but still utilize the adjacent grounds for training and reserve matches. Those grounds are also set to host a United Football League team, showing the area’s growing sports activity.
Columbus’ Strong Soccer Support and Hosting History
Columbus has shown robust support for both men’s and women’s national soccer teams. The United States women’s national team has played multiple matches at ScottsMiracle-Gro Field, including a recent near-sellout match against Canada in April 2024, drawing over 19,000 fans. The upcoming Canada game will be the third USWNT appearance at the venue since it opened, reflecting a lively soccer fan base in the region.
Haslams’ Sports Legacy and Crew Stability
The Haslam family has owned the Cleveland Browns since 2012. Their ownership of the Columbus Crew began in early 2019, rescuing the MLS team from relocation and ensuring it remained in the city. The Crew is among MLS’s most successful clubs, with three MLS Cups, three Supporters’ Shields, and one U.S. Open Cup trophy to their name. The Crew’s new downtown stadium opened in 2021, marking a fresh era for the franchise under Haslam leadership.
Recent NWSL Growth and Expansion Process
Since its 2013 start as an eight-team competition, the NWSL has quickly expanded. This year alone, teams in Boston and Denver increased the league’s roster to 16 franchises. Notably, Denver secured the 16th franchise over two Ohio finalist bids, including one led by a Cleveland group unassociated with the Haslams and another tied to MLS’ FC Cincinnati, which brought WNBA star Caitlin Clark on as an investor to bolster their bid.
Recently, NWSL commissioner Jessica Berman explained that the league is now managing expansion through a rolling process, with many prospective investors already familiar with the approach.
Looking Ahead for Columbus and the NWSL
The potential addition of an NWSL franchise in Columbus represents a significant opportunity to grow women’s professional soccer in Ohio while capitalizing on the city’s strong fan base and sports infrastructure. The involvement of the Haslam Sports Group brings experienced leadership and resources, increasing the likelihood of a successful launch.
If approved, the team would join an expanding NWSL landscape fueled by rising interest in women’s sports nationwide. The 2028 target for play aligns with other league expansions, creating a competitive and exciting future for the league and for Columbus soccer fans.
