Columbus, Ohio, is set to welcome a National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) team to the city. The league has announced that it has awarded its 18th franchise to Haslam Sports Group, Nationwide Insurance and Dr. Christine and Pete Edwards. This Columbus team will begin playing in 2028.

The new NWSL club will play its home matches at ScottsMiracle-Gro Field, home of the Columbus Crew, also owned by HSG and the Edwards. The ownership group is set to build a state-of-the-art training facility in Columbus.

“Haslam Sports Group, Nationwide and Drs. Christine and Pete Edwards thank Franklin County Commission President John O’Grady, Commissioner Erica Crawley and County Administrator Ken Wilson for their leadership and support of professional women’s sports,” the owernship group said in a joint statement. “Their commitment to this public-private partnership is key to bringing an NWSL club to Columbus. Together, we’re investing in world-class facilities and long-term economic growth for our city and community.

“We remain engaged in discussions with the City of Columbus and Franklin County on advancing the goals of our region, including access to parks and programming for children and families, alongside our shared vision of securing the NWSL’s 18th club.”

Tuesday’s announcement arrives on the heels of a massive community push and critical legislative support. Just a day prior, the Columbus City Council passed a $25 million agreement to help bring the franchise to life, funded responsibly over time via a two percent surcharge on ticketed events at ScottsMiracle-Gro Field.

These investments will partially fund a state-of-the-art women’s training center at McCoy Park, strategically designed to maximize elite athletic preparation and lay a foundation for youth development.

“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, said NWSL Commissioner Jessica
Berman. “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.”

The ownership group envisions the NWSL club as a community asset designed to consistently compete for championships while elevating women’s sports across the region.

• Whitney Haslam Johnson, HSG Managing Partner: “Our family is thrilled to help bring an NWSL team to Columbus and further invest in Ohio, with the honor of bringing the 18th team into the league. We believe in the power of women’s sports and are humbled to be part of the number one
• women’s soccer league in the world. Sports are one of today’s greatest unifiers and are incredible for their communities. The NWSL will have a significant impact on Columbus within and beyond sports, now and for future generations.”
• Kirt Walker, Nationwide CEO: “Today’s announcement is about inspiring young athletes across Central Ohio, elevating women’s professional sports and reminding the world that Columbus is a first-class sports city. “As Nationwide marks 100 years, this is a powerful way to celebrate
• our milestone with the community that has been our home from the very beginning.”
• Dr. Christine Edwards: “Columbus is very important to our family. For over 30 years, we’ve supported the Columbus Crew and MLS. We’ve seen how a men’s professional soccer team has brought people together and created a positive impact in our community. It’s truly special to now welcome an NWSL club and the incredible women athletes who will also uplift our city on and off the pitch. We’re very excited to partner with Haslam Sports Group and Nationwide for NWSL Columbus 2028, and we can’t wait to share even more memorable moments with fans, especially during the Club’s first game at ScottsMiracle-Gro Field.”

The decision to award Columbus the 18th franchise capitalizes on the city’s undeniable soccer pedigree. ScottsMiracle-Gro Field has consistently set attendance records, boasting a recent streak of 34 MLS sellouts.

The U.S. Women’s National Team also considers Columbus a fortress. The squad holds an impressive 10-1-2 all-time record in the city and a flawless 3-0-0 run at ScottsMiracle-Gro Field, which recently included a thrilling penalty shootout victory over Canada in the 2024 SheBelieves Cup.

The momentum will only continue building leading up to the 2028 NWSL launch. Columbus’ upcoming “Summer of Soccer” includes hosting a June 26 NWSL Challenge Cup match, an international men’s friendly, and the highly anticipated selection to host eight soccer matches during the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games.

How to Get Involved

While the team is currently operating under the interim moniker “Columbus NWSL 2028,” the official team name, crest, and colors will be decided with direct input from passionate Ohio fans.

Fans eager to secure their spot in history can take action immediately:

• Founding Memberships: Place a $28 seat deposit today at www.columbusnwsl2028.com.
• Community Celebration: Join the “Columbus NWSL 2028 Community Event” on May 9 at ScottsMiracle-Gro Field. The free event will feature family-friendly activities, on-pitch soccer experiences, local vendors, and appearances by notable women athletes and community leaders.