Columbus to have NWSL team in 2028 after paying record expansion fee

[p]The ownership group is ‌led by Haslam Sports Group, whose portfolio ‌includes ownership of the National Football League's Cleveland Browns and operating rights ‌to Major League Soccer’s Columbus ⁠Crew.[/p][p]“[b]As the ‌NWSL continues its rapid growth, expanding to Columbus ​is a natural next step,[/b]" said NWSL Commissioner Jessica Berman.[/p][p]"[b]This ​is a city with a rich soccer tradition, a proven track record ⁠of support ​at the highest level, and an ownership group making meaningful, long-term investments in women’s sports.[/b][/p][p]“[b]We’re excited to bring ‌the world’s most competitive women’s soccer league to[/b][b] Columbus and to see this community embrace the game in a new way.[/b]”[/p][embed guid="5f4507ef-2e6b-4d5e-b5c0-8ddb41fa085a" url="https://x.com/NWSL/status/2046676737820705045?s=20" social-type="twitter" /][p]The team, which will play at ScottsMiracle-Gro Field, is set to make its debut in 2028 alongside a new Atlanta club. An ‌official team name, colours and crest ​for the Columbus team will ‌be selected with the input of fans across Ohio, the league said in a statement.[/p][p]The ownership group also includes insurance company Nationwide and ⁠Drs. Christine ⁠and Pete Edwards.[/p]