- NWSL Commissioner Jessica Berman officially named Columbus the league’s 18th franchise on April 21, 2026, with the new club set to debut at Scotts Miracle-Gro Field in 2028.
- The ownership group is led by Haslam Sports Group, joined by Nationwide Insurance and Columbus Crew co-owners Drs. Christine and Pete Edwards, who paid a reported $205 million expansion fee.
- Columbus City Council approved a $25 million agreement to fund a new training facility at McCoy Park on the city’s Southwest Side, with Franklin County commissioners matching that commitment hours later.
Columbus secured its first professional women’s soccer franchise on Tuesday afternoon when NWSL Commissioner Jessica Berman took the stage at Scotts Miracle-Gro Field in the Arena District to confirm Columbus as the league’s 18th club. The ownership group Haslam Sports Group, Nationwide, and the Edwards family was formally awarded the franchise, with the club expected to begin play in the 2028 NWSL season. The team will share the soccer-specific stadium at the corner of West Nationwide Boulevard with the Columbus Crew.
Haslam Sports Group and Nationwide Lead $205M Ownership Group
Haslam Sports Group, which holds controlling stakes in the Columbus Crew, the NFL’s Cleveland Browns, and the NBA’s Milwaukee Bucks, will lead the franchise alongside Nationwide and Crew co-owners Drs. Christine and Pete Edwards.
“Our family is thrilled to help bring an NWSL team to Columbus and further invest in Ohio,” said Haslam Sports Group Managing Partner Whitney Haslam Johnson. “Sports are one of today’s greatest unifiers and are incredible for their communities.”
Nationwide CEO Kirt Walker tied the announcement to the company’s centennial year, calling the franchise “a unique opportunity we just had to embrace” as a way to give back to Columbus after 100 years of shared history.
Walker added that the club signals to young athletes across Central Ohio that investment, facilities, and visibility in women’s professional sports can match what exists in the men’s game.
Columbus City Council and Franklin County Commit $25M Each for McCoy Park Facility
The franchise did not arrive without local political friction. Columbus City Council approved the $25 million deal in a split vote Monday night, directing funds toward a new training facility at McCoy Park on the Southwest Side and upgrades to Scotts Miracle-Gro Field.
Opponents at the council meeting criticized the plan for diverting land previously designated as a therapeutic recreation space for people with disabilities. Supporters argued the franchise would strengthen women’s sports and generate economic growth downtown.
Franklin County commissioners voted Tuesday to match the city’s $25 million commitment. Both public investments will be repaid through a 2-percent tax on tickets sold at the stadium, with private investors covering remaining construction costs.
Per NWSL Commissioner Berman, the ownership group was also required to submit plans for a training facility used exclusively by the club as a condition of the expansion bid. That facility will be built on the McCoy Park site.
Atlanta’s NWSL expansion franchise the league’s 17th club, owned by Falcons and Atlanta United owner Arthur Blank will also enter the league in 2028 alongside Columbus.
Sources
NWSL / Haslam Sports Group, Press Conference Statements, April 21, 2026
Nationwide Mutual Insurance Company, Press Release, April 21, 2026
Columbus City Council, Legislative Vote Record, April 21, 2026
Franklin County Board of Commissioners, Vote Record, April 21, 2026
Author
Staff Reporter | ColumbusFrontline.com Reporter covering Columbus sports infrastructure, city government, and Arena District development.
Last Updated: April 22, 2026
This report is based on information available at time of publication. Details may change as the investigation continues. ColumbusFrontline.com will update this article as new information is confirmed.