A prospective ownership group based in Columbus, Ohio, and led by the Haslam family, has confirmed that it is seriously exploring the possibility of bringing a National Women’s Soccer League expansion franchise to the city. The group, which has ties to major professional sports through the Haslams’ ownership stakes in the Cleveland Browns of the NFL and the Columbus Crew in Major League Soccer, has begun formal due diligence on a potential bid, according to a statement provided to ESPN.
The exploration phase signals a concrete level of interest in adding a top-tier professional women’s soccer club to the Columbus sports landscape. While the group has not announced a formal application, timeline, or specific stadium plans, its confirmation that it is evaluating an NWSL franchise places Columbus among the growing list of cities linked to the league’s ongoing expansion efforts. The NWSL has been steadily adding teams in recent years as interest in women’s soccer and attendance at both club and national team matches have increased across the United States.
The Haslam family is already deeply embedded in the Ohio sports scene. Their involvement with the Browns and the Crew has included significant investments in facilities, team operations, and fan engagement initiatives. Exploring an NWSL franchise suggests an interest in extending that portfolio into the women’s professional game, potentially leveraging existing soccer infrastructure and knowledge gained through running the Crew. However, the group has not disclosed how a Columbus NWSL side might share resources, facilities, or branding with any existing organizations.
Key details such as league approval, potential launch date, exact ownership structure, and any local partners have not been made public. The group has also not provided information on possible training venues, matchday stadium arrangements, or ticketing plans. Those elements typically follow later in the expansion process, after initial discussions with the league and local stakeholders.
For now, the Haslam-led group’s confirmation that it is seriously exploring an NWSL franchise underscores the league’s continued appeal to established sports owners and highlights Columbus as a realistic candidate for a future expansion team, should the process move from exploration to a formal bid and league approval.
