Columbus has long been a cornerstone of the American soccer landscape, and its influence is poised to grow even further. The Haslam Sports Group, owners of the Columbus Crew and the Cleveland Browns, has officially confirmed that they are exploring the possibility of bringing a National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) expansion franchise to the Ohio capital. This move marks a significant step in the continued evolution of Columbus as a premier destination for professional soccer in North America, as the group looks to secure a Columbus NWSL expansion team.
The Haslam Sports Group and the Columbus NWSL Expansion
In a statement confirmed to ESPN, the prospective ownership group led by Dee and Jimmy Haslam indicated they are in the serious exploration phase of securing an NWSL franchise. The Haslams, who saved the Columbus Crew from relocation in 2019 and subsequently led the club to two MLS Cup titles in 2020 and 2023, have built a reputation for high-level investment in sports infrastructure and community engagement. Their portfolio currently includes the Cleveland Browns of the NFL and a minority stake in the Milwaukee Bucks of the NBA.
The exploration of an NWSL franchise is a logical progression for a group that has already transformed the professional sports scene in Ohio. By leveraging the existing administrative and operational framework of the Columbus Crew, the Haslam Sports Group is uniquely positioned to integrate a women’s professional team into the local market. The group’s commitment to the region has already been demonstrated through the construction of Lower.com Field, a state-of-the-art facility that has become a model for modern soccer-specific stadiums.
A Proven Market for Professional Soccer
The case for a Columbus NWSL expansion team is bolstered by the city’s deep-rooted soccer culture. Often referred to as "Soccer City USA," Columbus was the home of the first soccer-specific stadium in the United States and has consistently supported the Crew through various ownership eras. The recent success of the Crew, both on the pitch and in terms of attendance, suggests that the market is more than ready to support a top-tier women’s professional team.
World-Class Infrastructure at Lower.com Field
Lower.com Field, located in the heart of the Astor Park neighborhood, would likely serve as the primary home for a potential NWSL side. The stadium features:
- A capacity of over 20,000 spectators
- World-class training facilities at the OhioHealth Performance Center
- A central location with high fan accessibility
- Advanced premium hospitality options that appeal to corporate partners
The infrastructure is already in place to host double-headers or standalone NWSL matches, providing a turnkey solution that many other expansion candidates lack. Furthermore, the Columbus market has shown a strong appetite for women's sports, frequently hosting United States Women’s National Team (USWNT) friendlies and international competitions to sell-out crowds.
A Community Ready for Growth
Beyond the physical facilities, the existing fan base in Columbus is highly organized and passionate. The success of the "Save the Crew" movement proved that the community views the club as a civic asset. Extending that passion to an NWSL franchise would tap into a demographic that has already shown immense interest in the women's game, as evidenced by the high viewership numbers and ticket sales for USWNT events in the region.
The National Women’s Soccer League’s Rapid Growth
The NWSL is currently in a period of unprecedented growth, making the timing of the Haslam Sports Group's interest particularly noteworthy. The league recently signed a landmark domestic media rights deal with partners including ESPN, CBS, Prime Video, and Scripps Sports, which has significantly increased the valuation of its franchises. With the addition of teams like Bay FC and the upcoming BOS Nation FC in Boston, the league is strategically expanding its footprint into major metropolitan areas with established sports cultures.
League Commissioner Jessica Berman has frequently stated that the NWSL is looking for ownership groups that offer more than just financial backing; they are looking for partners who provide world-class facilities, professionalized front offices, and a clear vision for community integration. The Haslam Sports Group checks all of these boxes. Their experience in the NFL and NBA, combined with their championship-winning tenure in MLS, provides a level of operational expertise that few prospective owners can match.
Strategic Leadership and Organizational Synergies
The potential for a Columbus NWSL expansion team also offers significant synergies with the existing Columbus Crew organization. Following the departure of Tim Bezbatchenko in 2024, the organization has continued to thrive under updated leadership. Mary Shepro, who was elevated to President of Business Operations, now oversees the club's commercial and strategic growth. This stable leadership structure ensures that any new NWSL franchise would have the professional support necessary to succeed from day one.
Bringing an NWSL team under the same umbrella would allow for shared resources in sports science, marketing, and ticket sales. While the 2026 expansion team in Boston, BOS Nation FC, continues its own branding and development journey, Columbus is positioning itself as a premier candidate for the next wave of league growth. The addition of a women’s team would complete the professional soccer pyramid in the city, offering young female athletes in the region a direct path to the professional ranks and providing fans with year-round high-level soccer.
Next Steps in the Expansion Process
As the Haslam Sports Group continues its due diligence, the next steps will involve formalizing a bid to the NWSL board of governors. The league has not yet announced the specific timeline for its next round of expansion beyond the 15th and 16th teams, but Columbus is now firmly in the conversation as a front-runner. Factors such as territorial rights, stadium lease agreements, and community impact studies will be part of the ongoing assessment.
For now, soccer fans in Ohio have plenty to be optimistic about. With an ownership group that has a proven track record of winning and a city that lives and breathes soccer, the dream of an NWSL team in Columbus is closer to reality than ever before. Sport Syntax will continue to monitor this story as more details emerge regarding the formal bid and league response.
Sources & Original Reporting
