Haslams, Nationwide, and Others Seek to Bring NWSL Team to Columbus

Ownership group includes local partners beyond the Haslams, raising questions about public funding

Apr. 8, 2026 at 10:06am

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A group of private investors, including the Haslam Sports Group, Nationwide Insurance, and local residents Dr. Pete and Christine Edwards, are seeking to bring an 18th expansion franchise of the National Women's Soccer League (NWSL) to Columbus, Ohio. The potential ownership group has faced some criticism over the request for $50 million in public investment, with concerns raised about using city funds and a community park for the team's training facility.

Why it matters

The bid for an NWSL team in Columbus has sparked debate over the role of public funding for professional sports franchises, especially those owned by wealthy individuals and corporations. The potential ownership group's diversity beyond just the Haslams has also been highlighted, as the city weighs the broader community impact of supporting the team.

The details

The potential ownership group for the NWSL expansion franchise in Columbus includes the Haslam Sports Group, Nationwide Insurance, and local residents Dr. Pete and Christine Edwards. The group is seeking $50 million in public investment, with $25 million from the city and $25 million from Franklin County, for a training facility and upgrades to the existing stadium. However, a majority of Columbus City Council members have rejected the use of $25 million in city capital dollars for the project, leading the council to now debate funding their part with a permanent 2% ticket tax.

  • In March 2026, Nationwide Insurance CEO Kirt Walker expressed the desire to have female role models for young athletes in Columbus.
  • On April 6, 2026, the Columbus City Council held a hearing to discuss the NWSL expansion bid and the public funding request.

The players

Jimmy and Dee Haslam

Majority owners of the Columbus Crew and the Cleveland Browns.

Nationwide Insurance

A major insurance company headquartered in Columbus, celebrating its 100-year anniversary, and a potential investor in the NWSL team.

Dr. Pete and Christine Edwards

Local residents who have been investors in sports and human services in the Columbus community.

Nick Bankston

A Columbus City Councilmember who praised the diversity of the potential ownership group beyond just the Haslams.

Kirt Walker

The CEO of Nationwide Insurance, who expressed the desire to have female role models for young athletes in Columbus.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“We want to have girls and young ladies to be able to celebrate heroes as well.”

— Kirt Walker, CEO of Nationwide Insurance

“It is folks like Nationwide who will be celebrating their 100-year anniversary, born and bred in this community, who have stepped up when it comes to our Blue Jackets, they have stepped up when it comes to the Crew, as well as Dr. Pete and Christine Edwards who have called this community home and have been investors not only in things like sports, but also investors in our human services sector.”

— Nick Bankston, Columbus City Councilmember

What’s next

The Columbus City Council is currently debating funding their $25 million portion of the public investment request with a permanent 2% ticket tax on all games and events at the stadium, in addition to the separate 5% admission tax for the arts.

The takeaway

The bid for an NWSL team in Columbus has sparked a debate over the role of public funding for professional sports franchises, particularly those owned by wealthy individuals and corporations. However, the diversity of the potential ownership group, which includes local partners beyond just the Haslams, has also been highlighted as a positive aspect of the proposal.