NWSL Adds Columbus for 2028 After Record Expansion Fee

Columbus lands NWSL expansion team for 2028 after paying record fee

The NWSL is coming to Columbus in 2028. The Haslam-led ownership group includes Nationwide and will debut a new club at ScottsMiracle-Gro Field as part of the league’s expansion to 18 teams.

Columbus and Atlanta will enter the NWSL in 2028. The Columbus franchise, backed by Haslam Sports Group, paid a record expansion fee and will have fans help decide its branding...

The National Women’s Soccer League announced Tuesday it awarded an expansion franchise to Columbus, Ohio. The team will push the league to 18 clubs when it joins the competition in 2028.

Haslam Sports Group leads the ownership group. Its portfolio includes the NFL’s Cleveland Browns and operating rights to MLS’s Columbus Crew.

The NWSL called and Columbus answered 📞

Columbus joins the league as team No. 18! pic.twitter.com/nOdtvTf6ba

— National Women’s Soccer League (@NWSL) April 21, 2026

The team will play at ScottsMiracle-Gro Field and debut in 2028 alongside a new Atlanta club. The league said an official team name, colors, and crest for Columbus will be picked with input from fans across Ohio.

 

The ownership group also includes insurance company Nationwide and Drs. Christine and Pete Edwards.