Columbus NWSL Deal Faces McCoy Park Concerns Ahead of Vote

City Council President Hardin calls for amendment to replace park before approving $50 million public-private partnership.

Apr. 14, 2026 at 12:50am

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting a fragmented soccer match or training session, with sharp, overlapping planes of color representing the competing interests and perspectives surrounding the NWSL deal in Columbus.The proposed NWSL deal in Columbus raises concerns over the future of a community park, as city leaders navigate the complexities of bringing professional women's soccer to the city.Columbus Today

Columbus City Council is nearing a vote on a deal to bring a National Women's Soccer League (NWSL) expansion franchise to the city, but concerns over the use of McCoy Park as the team's training facility remain a sticking point. Council President Shannon Hardin is calling for an amendment to the deal that would commit the city to replacing the park, which serves a disadvantaged neighborhood, before he will support the agreement.

Why it matters

The proposed NWSL deal involves $50 million in public funding, with the city and county each contributing $25 million. However, the plan to use McCoy Park as the team's training facility has sparked backlash from residents and some council members who argue the park serves an important role in the community and should not be taken over by the professional sports team.

The details

Under the proposed agreement, the city would issue $25 million in bonds to fund its portion, with the money going toward building a training facility for the NWSL team at McCoy Park and upgrading facilities at the Crew's current stadium, ScottsMiracle-Gro Field. The private investors, led by the Haslam Sports Group, would contribute $300 million to set up the new team. The deal also includes a commitment from the investors to donate $12 million back into the community over 12 years.

  • The Columbus City Council is expected to vote on the NWSL deal at its next meeting on April 20, 2026.
  • The city had planned to break ground on renovations to McCoy Park in 2026 and complete construction in 2027.

The players

Shannon Hardin

Columbus City Council President, who is calling for an amendment to the NWSL deal to commit the city to replacing McCoy Park before he will support the agreement.

Andrew Ginther

Columbus Mayor, who announced last week that the city would respond to concerns and commit to providing park space for the neighborhood that would lose use of much of McCoy Park.

Liz Reed

Chair of the Southwest Area Commission, who said she would only accept a new location for a Southwest Side park if the city can meet the original deadlines set for McCoy Park renovations.

Jimmy and Dee Haslam

Billionaire majority owners of the Crew and the Cleveland Browns, leading the group of Columbus investors seeking an NWSL team.

Ilaria Rawlins

President and CEO of Fortuna Bank, a women-owned bank in Columbus, who testified in support of the NWSL agreement.

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What they’re saying

“I will not feel comfortable voting for (the deal) unless we amend it to say we will do these things, we will keep our promises to the young people of the Southwest Side.”

— Shannon Hardin, Columbus City Council President

“This is about giving young girls and young women visible proof that there is a place for them at the highest level of competition, leadership and success.”

— Ilaria Rawlins, President and CEO of Fortuna Bank

“In addition to the $25 million in Columbus taxpayer dollars, the proposal to win a soccer team carelessly gives away a city park. Mayor Ginther and (Development Director Michael) Stevens chose McCoy Park without discussions with Columbus Recreation and Parks and without public comment.”

— Liz Reed, Chair of the Southwest Area Commission

What’s next

The Columbus City Council is expected to vote on the NWSL deal at its next meeting on April 20, 2026. Council President Hardin has called for an amendment to the deal that would commit the city to replacing McCoy Park before he will support the agreement.

The takeaway

The proposed NWSL deal in Columbus has sparked concerns over the use of McCoy Park, a community asset that serves a disadvantaged neighborhood. City leaders must balance the potential benefits of bringing a professional women's soccer team to the city with the need to preserve important public spaces and uphold promises made to local residents.