Columbus National Women's Soccer League team to debut in 2028
The Columbus Dispatch • • sports
Key Points:
- Columbus has been awarded the 18th National Women's Soccer League (NWSL) franchise, with the team expected to debut in 2028 and play home games at ScottsMiracle-Gro Field.
- The ownership group includes Jimmy and Dee Haslam, Nationwide, Dr. Pete Edwards, and Haslam Sports Group partners, with plans to involve fans in selecting the team's official name, colors, and crest.
- Columbus City Council and Franklin County approved a combined $50 million in public funding for a new training facility and stadium upgrades, with the city and county issuing bonds to finance the project.
- The private ownership group committed $3 million to a new park and $12 million over 12 years toward community initiatives, while the team must remain in Columbus for 25 years under the agreement.
- The franchise paid a record $205 million expansion fee to the NWSL, a significant increase from the $2 million fee five years ago, with total investment expected to exceed $300 million.
