NWSL expansion team kicking off in Columbus in 2028

Article posted by Coliseum, May 6^th, 2026

Image: NWSL

A new U.S. National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) expansion team will become the 18th member of the league when it launches in Columbus, Ohio.

Sportico said the league confirmed that a team owned by Haslam Sports Group would enter the competition in 2028.

The group, which includes the Edwards family and insurance giant Nationwide, has agreed to pay a record $205 million expansion fee, soruces said.

The average team is worth about $184 million, according to Sportico’s most recent valuations.

The NWSL expansion team will play at ScottsMiracle-Gro Field, the home of the Haslam-owned MLS club Columbus Crew.

ScottsMiracle-Gro Field (formerly known as Lower.com Field) is a premier, 20,371-capacity soccer-specific stadium in downtown Columbus, Ohio, which opened in July 2021.

The stadium has welcomed international teams and fans during the 2024 MLS-All Star Game, two SheBelieves Cups (2024 and 2026), three U.S. Men’s National Team matches, open trainings for Manchester City and Chelsea FC and a Crew friendly against Aston Villa FC, in addition to the 2023 MLS Cup and Leagues Cup 2024 Finals.

The Haslam Group has committed to building a practice facility, which isn’t included in the expansion fee, and making enhancements to the stadium. Franklin County and the city of Columbus have separately approved a combined $50 million—$25 million each—in public funding for those endeavors.

The National Women’s Soccer League is a women’s professional soccer league and the highest level of the United States soccer league system, alongside the USL Super League. The league comprises 16 teams. It is owned by the teams and sanctioned by the United States Soccer Federation.

The NWSL opened its 2026 season this weekend with two new teams, the Boston Legacy and the Denver Summit, bringing the league to 16 teams.

The NWSL announced in November that Atlanta had been awarded the 17th franchise, owned by Atlanta Falcons owner Arthur Blank, with that team also taking the field in 2028.

Columbus’ $205 million expansion fee is $40 million more than what Arthur Blank’s AMB Sports + Entertainment paid for a team in Atlanta also launching in 2028. Of the other recent expansion franchises, Bay FC and Boston Legacy FC each paid slightly more than $50 million, while Denver Summit FC’s expansion fee totaled $110 million.

NWSL Commissioner Jessica Berman said, “As the NWSL continues its rapid growth, expanding to Columbus is a natural next step. This is a city with a rich soccer tradition, a proven track record of support at the highest level, and an ownership group making meaningful, long-term investments in women’s sports.

“We’re excited to bring the world’s most competitive women’s soccer league to Columbus and to see this community embrace the game in a new way.”

As part of the deal, the Haslams are contributing to the NWSL Foundation, the sources said.

Haslam Sports Group confirmed its interest in an NWSL expansion team in February, citing in a statement “the growth of women’s sports and the NWSL” as well as “passionate soccer fans across Ohio.

Columbus will host its first NWSL event on June 26 when Gotham FC and Kansas City Current play in the league’s Challenge Cup.

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