Haslam Sports Group Exploring NWSL Expansion to Columbus

Crew and Browns owners considering bringing women's pro soccer team to Ohio capital

Feb. 27, 2026 at 7:52pm

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The owners of the Columbus Crew and Cleveland Browns, Jimmy and Dee Haslam, have confirmed they are in discussions to potentially bring an expansion team from the National Women's Soccer League (NWSL) to Columbus, Ohio. The Haslams' Haslam Sports Group says the prospect of an NWSL franchise in Columbus is "incredibly appealing" as the league continues to grow.

Why it matters

The addition of an NWSL team would further boost the profile of women's professional sports in Ohio and provide more opportunities for female athletes in the region. It could also drive increased interest and attendance for soccer in Columbus, which already hosts the successful MLS club Columbus Crew.

The details

According to a statement from Haslam Sports Group, the company is "consistently evaluating various investment opportunities" and is engaged in "conversations" to "further assess the best direction" for bringing an NWSL team to Columbus. The potential expansion team would play its home matches at the Crew's existing stadium, ScottsMiracle-Gro Field, though the two teams would have separate training facilities.

  • On February 27, 2026, Haslam Sports Group confirmed it is in discussions about an NWSL expansion team in Columbus.
  • The NWSL recently announced its 17th team will be located in Atlanta, with the league-high expansion fee of $165 million.

The players

Haslam Sports Group

The ownership group that controls the Columbus Crew of MLS and the Cleveland Browns of the NFL.

Jimmy and Dee Haslam

The majority owners of Haslam Sports Group and the Columbus Crew and Cleveland Browns franchises.

NWSL

The National Women's Soccer League, the top professional women's soccer league in the United States.

ScottsMiracle-Gro Field

The home stadium of the Columbus Crew, which would host any potential NWSL expansion team in Columbus.

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What they’re saying

“Haslam Sports Group consistently evaluates various investment opportunities across the sports and entertainment industry. We are excited to continue those conversations and further assess the best direction for all parties. With the growth of women's sports and the NWSL, the prospect of an expansion franchise for the City of Columbus, Franklin County and passionate soccer fans across Ohio is incredibly appealing.”

— Haslam Sports Group, Spokesperson (dispatch.com)

“While we don't comment on specific markets or pending bids, we continue to engage in a deliberate, rolling expansion process with a number of world-class potential ownership groups as we look toward the future of the league.”

— NWSL, Spokesperson (ESPN)

What’s next

The NWSL and Haslam Sports Group will continue their discussions about potentially bringing an expansion team to Columbus. If an agreement is reached, the new team would likely begin play in a future NWSL season.

The takeaway

The potential addition of an NWSL team in Columbus, backed by the ownership group of the successful Columbus Crew and Cleveland Browns franchises, would represent a significant boost for women's professional soccer in Ohio and the Midwest region. It demonstrates the continued growth and appeal of the NWSL as a league.