USA/NWSL: Columbus (Ohio) awarded 18^th expansion franchise to join in 2028, alongside Atlanta

The National Women’s Soccer League has awarded Columbus (Ohio, United States) the league’s 18^th expansion franchise, which will join the North American women’s league from the 2028 season, the NWSL announced on 21/04/2026.

This new franchise is owned by Haslam Sports Group, owner of the Cleveland Browns (NFL) and co-owner of Columbus Crew (MLS) and the Milwaukee Bucks (NBA). Insurance company Nationwide, an official partner of the Columbus Crew and the NWSL, and investors Christine and Pete Edwards, shareholders in the Columbus Crew, also hold a stake in the future NWSL franchise.

The expansion fee paid by the franchise’s shareholders amounts to $205m (€175m), according to several US media outlets. The team will play at ScottsMiracle-Gro Field (21,700 capacity), home of the Columbus Crew inaugurated in 2021. The construction of a dedicated training centre is planned ahead of the start of the 2028 season.

The Columbus franchise will enter the NWSL at the same time as the Atlanta franchise, which was awarded a place in November 2025 for an estimated expansion fee of $165m (€140m). The…