A growing movement is building to bring a professional women’s soccer team to Columbus, with supporters actively campaigning both online and throughout the city.

Fan-Driven Campaign Gains Momentum

Billboards have appeared around the Arena District advocating for a National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) team in Columbus. An accompanying online petition has also garnered significant support, collecting over 6,500 signatures to date.

Columbus already boasts a dedicated soccer fanbase, consistently demonstrated by the strong support for the Columbus Crew. “You know, I've always said that soccer fandom is as close to a religious experience as you can get outside of a church,” said avid Crew fan and supporter Hughes.

Personal Connection Fuels the Effort

Hughes is a key organizer in the push for an NWSL team, mobilizing supporters and demonstrating the city’s readiness to the league. For Hughes, the initiative is deeply personal.

“And we've been on board with men's sports for so long, it is high time that we support women's sports the same amount,” Hughes stated. He also expressed his desire for his five-year-old daughter, who currently plays soccer in Columbus Recreation Parks, to have a local women’s team to admire. “To just kind of have this timeline of to see her playing at that old park to watching her in the stands of the NWSL team, it's gonna be special.”

Public-Private Partnership Proposed

The Haslam Sports Group is developing a bid for an NWSL franchise, proposing a public-private partnership to fund the project. The plan suggests contributions of $25 million each from the City of Columbus and Franklin County towards building a training facility, potentially located at McCoy Park in south Columbus.

City and County Weigh Investment

Columbus City Council President Shannon Hardin stated, "I believe that my colleagues on City Council and our residents want the same thing: for the National Women’s Soccer League to expand to Columbus, but only if it is financially responsible for the City." He expressed optimism about reaching a deal funded by stadium attendees rather than taxpayers.

Mayor Ginther echoed this sentiment, saying, “You know, obviously open to ideas, open for discussion and debate, but I am not going to tell the girls and women of this community to wait. If we can support professional men's sports the way we have, we need to bring the same energy, focus and commitment to women's sports.”

A spokesperson for Haslam Sports Group confirmed ongoing positive discussions with local government officials to establish a beneficial investment structure. They aim to create long-term benefits for the city, county, and community while achieving the shared goal of bringing an NWSL club to Ohio.

Timeline for Expansion

The NWSL is anticipated to announce the location of its 18th franchise before the end of the year. If successful, the new team is projected to begin play in the 2028 season.