Columbus Awarded NWSL Expansion Franchise Set to Initiate Play in 2028

Columbus, Ohio has been awarded an expansion franchise in the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL), marking the league’s 18th team and set to begin play in the 2028 season. The announcement was made by NWSL Commissioner Jessica Berman, confirming Columbus as the latest addition to the rapidly growing professional women’s soccer league.

The franchise will be owned by a group led by Haslam Sports Group, alongside partners Nationwide Insurance and Drs. Christine and Pete Edwards. This ownership group also holds majority stakes in the Columbus Crew and Cleveland Browns, bringing established sports management expertise to the new NWSL venture.

The team will play its home matches at ScottsMiracle-Gro Field, the current home stadium of the Columbus Crew. Commissioner Berman cited the city’s strong soccer infrastructure, passionate fan base, and proven public-private partnership model as key factors in selecting Columbus for expansion.

Columbus joins Atlanta as the league’s newest expansion teams, with Atlanta having been awarded the 17th franchise in November 2025. The NWSL previously expanded to 16 teams in 2026 with the additions of Boston Legacy and Denver Summit, underscoring the league’s continued growth trajectory.

According to league officials, the decision to award the franchise to Columbus was based on three primary criteria: ownership quality, infrastructure readiness, and market potential. The ownership group emphasized their commitment to building a first-class training facility and delivering a high-quality matchday experience, with goals to consistently sell out ScottsMiracle-Gro Field.

The NWSL’s expansion into Columbus reflects the league’s broader strategy to establish franchises in markets with strong soccer traditions and demonstrated support for women’s sports at the highest level. The city’s history of hosting U.S. Women’s National Team matches and the sustained success of the Columbus Crew in Major League Soccer were highlighted as contributing factors to the award.

As the NWSL prepares for its 2028 season with 18 teams, the Columbus franchise represents a significant milestone in the league’s expansion efforts and its mission to grow women’s professional soccer across the United States.