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Future professional women's soccer team
Soccer club
A yet unnamed professional soccer team based in Columbus, Ohio , was announced as the National Women's Soccer League (NWSL)'s 18th franchise on April 21, 2026, and will begin play in the 2028 season.
In February 2026, Jimmy and Dee Haslam , the owners of the Cleveland Browns of the National Football League (NFL) and Columbus Crew of Major League Soccer (MLS), confirmed their interest in bringing a National Women's Soccer League (NWSL) franchise to Columbus, Ohio .[ 1] ScottsMiracle-Gro Field , sharing it with the Crew, and have their own training facility.[ 2] Columbus City Council narrowly approved a US$25 million deal to develop a training facility for the team at McCoy Park .[ 3] Franklin County Board of Commissioners approved the same amount for the development.[ 4]
The expansion franchise was officially awarded on April 21, 2026, with plans to start play in the 2028 season (alongside Atlanta ) as the 18th team in the league.[ 5] US$205 million .[ 6]
^ "Haslam Sports Group confirms 'conversations' to bring NWSL to Columbus" . The Columbus Dispatch . Retrieved April 21, 2026 .^ Carlisle, Jeff; Kassouf, Jeff (February 27, 2026). "Browns, Crew ownership group exploring Columbus NWSL expansion" . ESPN . Retrieved April 21, 2026 . ^ Cathey, Libby (April 21, 2026). "Columbus City Council approves NWSL deal amid split vote, dispute over McCoy Park plan" . WBNS-TV . Retrieved April 21, 2026 . ^ Laird, Jordan (April 21, 2026). "Franklin County joins Columbus in supporting NWSL deal, clearing way for bid" . The Columbus Dispatch . Retrieved April 21, 2026 . ^ Kassouf, Jeff (April 21, 2026). "Columbus Crew owners get 18th NWSL franchise for record fee" . ESPN . Retrieved April 21, 2026 . ^ Novy-Williams, Eben; Feldman, Jacob (April 21, 2026). "Haslams Pay $205M for NWSL Expansion Team in Columbus" . Sportico . Retrieved April 21, 2026 .
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