Columbus Crew Owners Accelerate Bid for NWSL Expansion Franchise

USA - Ekhbary News Agency

Columbus Crew Owners Accelerate Bid for NWSL Expansion Franchise

The vibrant landscape of professional women's soccer in the United States is poised for further expansion, with Columbus, Ohio, emerging as a prominent contender for a new National Women's Soccer League (NWSL) franchise. At the forefront of this ambitious endeavor is the Haslam Sports Group (HSG), the powerful consortium already deeply invested in Ohio's sports scene through their ownership of the NFL's Cleveland Browns and MLS' Columbus Crew. The group, spearheaded by Dee and Jimmy Haslam, has confirmed its serious exploration of an NWSL expansion team, signaling a significant commitment to elevating women's sports in the region.

This prospective ownership group extends beyond the core Haslam family, encompassing HSG managing partners J.W. Johnson and Whitney Haslam Johnson, alongside the family of Dr. Pete Edwards, a minority stakeholder in the Columbus Crew who recently increased his shares. Crucially, the bid also includes the formidable backing of Columbus-based insurance giant Nationwide, lending substantial corporate weight and local credibility to the proposal. This diverse and well-connected coalition underscores the comprehensive nature of Columbus's play for one of the NWSL's coveted new slots.

The NWSL, which launched with eight teams in 2013, has experienced rapid growth, expanding to 16 teams for the current season with the recent additions of Boston and Denver. Looking ahead, Atlanta is set to join as the 17th team in 2028, following a league-record $165 million expansion fee paid by Arthur Blank's AMB Sports. Columbus is vying to become the league's 18th franchise, with sources close to the bid indicating a target start date of 2028, aligning with the NWSL's strategic timeline for sustained expansion.

The appeal of Columbus as a market for professional soccer is well-established. The city boasts a passionate fan base, proven by the success of the Columbus Crew, a three-time MLS Cup winner. The Haslam Sports Group's acquisition of the Crew in 2019 notably saved the team from potential relocation, solidifying their commitment to the city's sports heritage. Furthermore, Columbus has a strong track record as a host for both the United States women's and men's national soccer teams, with recent USWNT matches drawing near-sellout crowds of over 19,000 fans at ScottsMiracle-Gro Field, the proposed home for the NWSL team.

ScottsMiracle-Gro Field, the modern home of the Columbus Crew, is central to the NWSL bid's infrastructure. Its suitability as a professional soccer venue is unquestionable, and preliminary design work for a separate training facility for the prospective NWSL team is already underway, demonstrating the meticulous planning behind the Haslam group's proposal. Further illustrating the seriousness of their intent, ScottsMiracle-Gro Field is scheduled to host the NWSL Challenge Cup on June 26, featuring last year's Shield winner, the Kansas City Current, and reigning champions, Gotham FC. This high-profile event provides a tangible showcase of Columbus's capacity and enthusiasm for top-tier women's soccer.

NWSL Commissioner Jessica Berman has articulated the league's shift to a "deliberate, rolling expansion process," acknowledging the increasing sophistication of potential ownership groups. While the league refrains from commenting on specific bids, Columbus is widely considered one of the primary cities in contention for the next expansion slot. This competitive environment saw Denver secure the 16th franchise, overcoming bids from other Ohio cities like Cleveland (unaffiliated with the Haslams) and FC Cincinnati, which even brought in WNBA star Caitlin Clark as an investor to bolster its proposal.

The prospect of an NWSL team in Columbus is not merely about adding another professional sports franchise; it represents a strategic investment in the burgeoning ecosystem of women's sports. The growth of the NWSL reflects a broader societal recognition of the athletic prowess and commercial viability of female athletes. For Columbus, securing an NWSL team would further cement its status as a premier sports city, offering new avenues for community engagement, economic development, and inspiration for young athletes across Ohio. The Haslam Sports Group's holistic approach, combining financial strength, proven sports management expertise, and strong local partnerships, positions Columbus as a compelling and well-prepared candidate for the NWSL's next exciting chapter.

Ekhbary News Agency