Columbus Rallies for NWSL Expansion as City Council Debates Funding Deal
Supporters of professional women’s soccer gathered at Columbus City Hall on April 6, 2026, to voice their backing for a National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) expansion bid. The rally, hosted by the Columbus Sports Commission, took place immediately before a City Council hearing to determine how the city will financially support the effort to bring a professional team to the city.
Public Support and Community Spirit
The atmosphere outside City Hall was celebratory, featuring a mix of local sports figures and enthusiastic fans. Mayor Andrew Ginther joined a group of mascots, including Brutus Buckeye and Crew Cat, and young soccer players to show solidarity with the NWSL to Columbus movement. During the event, supporters like Sol Tsonis signed banners, and children, including 10-year-old Charlotte Fening, interacted with the mascots to emphasize the community’s excitement for the sport.
Mayor Ginther highlighted the city’s track record of successful public-private partnerships, stating that the City Council is supporting the effort to secure the franchise.
The Funding Battle: From Capital Grants to Ticket Taxes
The core of the City Council hearing focused on the financial mechanisms used to support the bid led by Jimmy and Dee Haslam—the billionaire majority owners of the Cleveland Browns and the Columbus Crew—alongside other investors. While the private investment group plans to contribute more than $300 million toward the team, the city’s role in funding infrastructure remains a point of contention.
City Council President Shannon Hardin and Councilmember Nick Bankston, chair of the finance committee, are championing a revised funding model. This new deal replaces a previous proposal that would have used $25 million in city capital dollars and $25 million from Franklin County—a plan Hardin described as a “tone-deaf handout to wealthy team owners.”
The revised proposal introduces a permanent 2% tax on all tickets sold at ScottsMiracle-Gro Field. The revenue generated from this tax will be used for two primary purposes:
- Infrastructure Debt: Repaying the city for debt taken to build a women’s training facility at McCoy Park and funding necessary upgrades at ScottsMiracle-Gro Field to accommodate a second team.
- Community Investment: Once the debt is repaid, the tax revenue will fund city priorities, including housing, human services, and youth programming.
Key Takeaways for the NWSL Columbus Bid
- Private Investment: The ownership group, led by the Haslams, is committing over $300 million.
- Proposed Funding: A 2% ticket tax at ScottsMiracle-Gro Field is the current preferred method to fund city-led infrastructure.
- Infrastructure Goals: The deal covers a new training facility at McCoy Park and stadium upgrades.
- Public Sentiment: High levels of community support were demonstrated through the April 6 rally.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is leading the bid for the NWSL team in Columbus?
The bid is led by Jimmy and Dee Haslam, the majority owners of the Columbus Crew and the Cleveland Browns, along with other private investors.
How will the city pay for the training facility?
The current proposal from City Council President Shannon Hardin and Councilmember Nick Bankston involves a permanent 2% ticket tax at ScottsMiracle-Gro Field to repay the debt incurred for the facility at McCoy Park.
When will the final decision be made?
A vote is expected later in April 2026 following the public hearings and debates held by the Columbus City Council.
As the city moves toward a final vote, the focus remains on balancing the desire for professional women’s sports with a sustainable financial model that benefits the broader Columbus community.