NWSL Awards Columbus Expansion Franchise Set for 2028 Launch

The National Women's Soccer League is expanding to Columbus, Ohio. League officials announced Tuesday that the capital city has been granted an expansion franchise, scheduled to begin play in 2028 as the league's 18th team.

The ownership consortium is spearheaded by Haslam Sports Group — the organization behind the NFL's Cleveland Browns and holder of operating rights for Major League Soccer's Columbus Crew. Backed by insurance powerhouse Nationwide and Drs. Christine and Pete Edwards, this venture carries substantial financial backing and proven sports management experience.

Proven soccer market reduces expansion risk

Columbus enters the NWSL with a track record. The Columbus Crew have demonstrated for years that Ohio's capital possesses the appetite and infrastructure to support top-tier football, making this a calculated expansion decision rather than a gamble on uncharted territory. NWSL Commissioner Jessica Berman described the move as "a natural next step" — language that actually reflects reality given the city's established soccer credentials.

The franchise will call ScottaMiracle-Gro Field home and will join the league simultaneously with a new Atlanta-based team in 2028. The arrival of two clubs in a single season will expand the NWSL's competitive framework and create additional scheduling complexity. Existing teams should monitor how this expansion affects squad depth requirements across the league.

Team branding remains undecided. The league has indicated supporters throughout Ohio will participate in selecting the club's name, crest, and colours — a strategic community engagement approach designed to cultivate fan loyalty well ahead of the inaugural match.

  • Location: Columbus, Ohio
  • Launch date: 2028 season
  • League size: 18 clubs upon entry
  • Home venue: ScottaMiracle-Gro Field
  • Ownership structure: Haslam Sports Group, Nationwide, Drs. Christine and Pete Edwards

"We're excited to bring the world's most competitive women's soccer league to Columbus," Commissioner Berman stated. The organization now faces a four-year timeline to construct the franchise from the ground up. The countdown has officially begun.