The arrival of a National Women's Soccer League (NWSL) team in Columbus in 2028 has ignited a complex mix of excitement and skepticism among local soccer fans. While supporters celebrate the growth of women's professional soccer, the record-breaking $205 million expansion fee and the involvement of billionaire owners have raised questions about affordability and community priorities.
For Emily Kegg, community director of the Nordecke supporters' group, the new team represents a natural extension of the city's deep soccer roots. She recalls the 2017 fight to save the Columbus Crew from relocation, a grassroots effort that forged strong bonds among fans. "We put all of our heart into our team," Kegg said. "We want to do that for the women's team too."
The Price of Progress
The NWSL's rapid expansion has come with skyrocketing costs. The Columbus ownership group—led by billionaires Jimmy and Dee Haslam, former club doctor Pete Edwards, and insurance giant Nationwide—paid a $205 million expansion fee, the highest in league history. This is a staggering leap from the $2 million fee paid by franchises that joined in 2022.
This financial escalation reflects the league's transformation into big business. However, it also concentrates ownership among the ultra-wealthy, a fact that gives some fans pause. "In this era, you're always weighing your commitment to a sports team with the reality that they are the playthings of billionaires," said Crew supporter Morgan Hughes. "So it's exciting, and it's also frustrating."
Public Funding Debate
The controversy intensified as local officials debated how to accommodate the ownership group's demands. Discussions between Columbus Mayor Andrew Ginther and the Haslam group began in 2025, with talks centered on stadium financing and infrastructure improvements. Many residents question whether public money should support a venture that primarily benefits billionaires.
City and county officials faced pressure to secure the team while addressing taxpayer concerns. The situation mirrors broader national debates about public funding for professional sports stadiums, where critics argue that the economic returns rarely justify the investment. "It leaves a bad taste in my mouth," one fan told the Guardian, reflecting a sentiment shared by many.
Columbus: A Natural Fit for the NWSL
Despite the financial and political tensions, Columbus offers compelling advantages for an NWSL team. The city has a robust youth soccer ecosystem, a history of hosting US women's national team matches, and a fiercely loyal fanbase. Amy Cooper, who is opening a women's sports bar called Raise the Bar, described the team's arrival as a "spark" for the community.
Local supporters believe the NWSL team can build on the momentum of the Crew's success. The Nordecke, which grew out of the Save the Crew movement, has nearly 600 members ready to rally behind the new franchise. This passionate base could help establish Columbus as a women's soccer powerhouse.
Balancing Excitement and Skepticism
For many fans, the challenge is reconciling their love for the sport with their unease about the business side. The NWSL's expansion into Columbus is a testament to the league's growth, but it also highlights the uncomfortable intersection of sports, money, and politics.
As Kegg noted, the community's heart is in the right place. The question remains whether the ownership group and local government can address the concerns of residents while building a successful franchise. The answer will shape not only the team's future but also the city's relationship with professional sports.
FAQ: Columbus NWSL Expansion
When will the Columbus NWSL team begin playing?
The team is scheduled to start playing in the 2028 season, as announced by the NWSL in April 2026.
Who owns the new Columbus NWSL team?
The ownership group includes billionaires Jimmy and Dee Haslam, former club doctor Pete Edwards, and insurance company Nationwide. The same group also owns the Columbus Crew of Major League Soccer.
How much did the expansion fee cost?
The expansion fee was $205 million, the highest in NWSL history and the second-highest for a North American women's sports franchise, behind only recent WNBA expansion teams.
Why are some fans concerned about the team?
Fans have mixed feelings due to the involvement of billionaire owners, the use of public funding for stadium infrastructure, and the record-breaking cost, which some see as out of step with the league's original community-focused ethos.
