The National Women’s Soccer League has awarded its 18th franchise to Columbus, with the team set to begin play in 2028. The expansion fee is $205 million, the highest in league history.
The club will be owned by Haslam Sports Group, alongside Nationwide and the Edwards family. The Haslams also have stakes in the Cleveland Browns and Columbus Crew.
The team will play its home matches at ScottsMiracle-Gro Field. A dedicated training facility is also planned. Total investment to launch the club is expected to exceed $300 million.
The $205 million fee surpasses recent expansion deals. Denver Summit FC paid $110 million, while Atlanta NWSL 2028 paid $165 million.
Under commissioner Jessica Berman, the league has adopted a rolling expansion model, allowing teams to be added based on incoming bids rather than a fixed timeline.
Columbus has recently hosted matches such as the SheBelieves Cup, reflecting growing interest in women’s soccer in the market.