Haslams Pay $205M for NWSL Expansion Team in Columbus
Sportico.com • • sports
Key Points:
- The NWSL will add an 18th team in Columbus, Ohio, owned by Haslam Sports Group, with play beginning in 2028 at ScottsMiracle-Gro Field, home of the Columbus Crew.
- The expansion fee is a record $205 million, significantly higher than previous fees, including $40 million more than Atlanta's new team launching the same year.
- The ownership group includes the Edwards family and Nationwide, with public funding of $50 million approved by Franklin County and Columbus for facility enhancements.
- Haslam Sports Group has committed to building a new practice facility outside the expansion fee, and is contributing to the NWSL Foundation to support women’s sports research and innovation.
- The Edwards family has been Crew investors since 2019, Nationwide has sponsored the Crew since 2020 and partnered with the NWSL since 2021, and Sidley Austin served as legal advisor for the deal.
