Columbus Sports Commission to Host Rally for NWSL Bid

Rally coincides with City Council hearing on potential funding for new team's training facility

Apr. 3, 2026 at 10:07pm

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A fractured, multi-perspective painting in the style of Pablo Picasso, breaking a women's soccer match down into sharp, overlapping geometric planes in shades of green, blue, and white, conveying the dynamic energy and movement of the sport.The geometric, cubist-inspired illustration captures the dynamic energy and movement of a women's soccer match, reflecting the momentum behind Columbus' bid to join the NWSL.Columbus Today

The Columbus Sports Commission is hosting a rally on April 6 at City Hall to show public support for the city's bid to bring an NWSL team to Columbus. The rally will take place before a City Council hearing that same day regarding a proposed deal to help fund a training facility for the potential new team.

Why it matters

The NWSL expansion bid has generated significant community interest, with over 8,800 signatures on a petition supporting the effort. The rally and City Council hearing represent critical steps in securing public funding and approval to make the new team a reality.

The details

The rally is set to include music, games, and other surprises to celebrate the momentum behind bringing an NWSL team to Columbus. The City Council hearing will focus on a proposed 2% tax on all ticketed events at ScottsMiracle-Gro Field, which would repay the $25 million the city is being asked to contribute towards building a training facility for the new team.

  • The rally is scheduled for 2 p.m. on April 6 on Broad Street in Columbus.
  • The City Council hearing is set to begin at 3 p.m. on April 6.
  • The deadline to sign up to speak at the hearing in person is 12 p.m. on April 6.
  • Written testimonies for the hearing must be emailed by 12 p.m. on April 6.

The players

Columbus Sports Commission

The organization hosting the rally in support of the NWSL expansion bid for Columbus.

Haslam Sport Group

The ownership group leading the bid to bring the 18th NWSL team to Columbus.

Columbus City Council

The governing body that will hold a hearing and vote on the proposed funding deal for the new team's training facility.

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What they’re saying

“This is a critical opportunity to celebrate and show, in a real and visible way, that the momentum behind NWSL to Columbus is strong.”

— Columbus Sports Commission

What’s next

The City Council will vote on the proposed 2% tax and $25 million in funding for the new team's training facility during the April 6 hearing.

The takeaway

The rally and City Council hearing represent a pivotal moment in Columbus' efforts to secure an NWSL expansion team, with strong community support and the potential for public funding being key factors in determining whether the bid is successful.