Columbus City Council Debates Haslams' NWSL Facility Funding Request

Council members have mixed reactions to proposal for city investment in women's soccer infrastructure.

Mar. 27, 2026 at 10:04am

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The Haslam Sports Group and Mayor Andrew Ginther's administration have asked the Columbus City Council to provide funding for facilities to support a potential professional women's soccer team. Council members expressed a range of reactions, from enthusiastic support to strong opposition, as they debated the merits of the funding request.

Why it matters

The decision on whether to provide public funding for a women's soccer facility could have significant implications for the city's sports landscape and its commitment to gender equity in athletics. The debate highlights the ongoing tensions between public investment in private sports ventures and the need to prioritize other municipal priorities.

The details

The Haslam Sports Group, which owns the Columbus Crew MLS team, is seeking millions in city funds to build a training facility and stadium for a potential National Women's Soccer League (NWSL) franchise. Some council members expressed support for the idea, seeing it as a way to attract a high-profile women's sports team and promote gender equality. Others raised concerns about the use of taxpayer money for a private sports enterprise, arguing that the funds could be better spent on other civic needs.

  • The Haslam Sports Group and Mayor Ginther's administration presented the funding request to the Columbus City Council on March 22, 2026.
  • The City Council is expected to vote on the funding proposal in the coming weeks.

The players

Haslam Sports Group

The ownership group that owns the Columbus Crew MLS team and is seeking city funds to support a potential NWSL franchise.

Mayor Andrew Ginther

The mayor of Columbus, Ohio, who has backed the Haslams' funding request for women's soccer facilities.

Columbus City Council

The legislative body of the City of Columbus that is debating whether to approve the Haslams' funding request for a women's soccer facility.

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What they’re saying

“This is an opportunity to bring a high-profile women's sports team to Columbus and show our commitment to gender equity in athletics.”

— Council Member Tiffany White, Council Member

“I have serious concerns about using taxpayer money to fund a private sports enterprise. We should be focusing on other pressing needs in our community.”

— Council Member Michael Brown, Council Member

What’s next

The Columbus City Council is expected to vote on the Haslams' funding request in the coming weeks, with a decision that could significantly impact the city's sports landscape and its commitment to women's athletics.

The takeaway

The debate over public funding for a women's soccer facility in Columbus highlights the ongoing tensions between supporting private sports ventures and prioritizing other municipal needs. The council's decision could have far-reaching implications for the city's sports landscape and its commitment to gender equity in athletics.