Columbus leaders and business partners are detailing a plan to attract a National Women's Soccer League (NWSL) team, featuring a proposed 2% surcharge on ticketed events at ScottsMiracle-Gro Field. This measure aims to generate revenue for a new women's training facility and stadium enhancements. The plan includes a city review in 2032-2033 to ensure projected revenue covers initial investments and potentially becomes a new funding stream for city priorities like human services, housing, and youth programming. This initiative signals a significant public commitment, underscoring the city's desire to be seen as a strong contender for an expansion franchise.
The push for an NWSL team is gaining momentum, with billboards highlighting public demand and an online petition surpassing 6,500 signatures. This effort is bolstered by the existing passion for soccer in Columbus, evident during Columbus Crew matches. Mayor Andrew Ginther has publicly stated his administration's active engagement with the Crew ownership to position Columbus as an ideal location for a team. He has framed this as an opportunity to support women's sports with resources and seriousness comparable to those long afforded to men's sports, aiming for Columbus to become a "nation's capital for girl’s and women’s sports."
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Financial Framework and Stakeholder Involvement
The proposed 2% surcharge, a key component of the NWSL expansion bid, is intended to finance the necessary infrastructure. City Auditor Megan Kilgore is reportedly still finalizing the precise financial projections, though initial estimates suggest the tax could repay the city's investment within 10 to 20 years. This plan operates independently of the existing 5% admissions fee, which continues to fund arts initiatives.
The ownership group, a consortium including Haslam Sports Group, Nationwide, and minority Crew owner Dr. Pete Edwards, is reportedly prepared to contribute "millions of its own money" toward an expansion fee. However, specific details regarding this private funding remain under discussion. The Haslam Sports Group has indicated that the NWSL will be evaluating cities based on their readiness to support a new team with public investment. Conversations regarding potential funding from Franklin County for a women's soccer performance center and stadium improvements are also ongoing.
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Civic Engagement and Underlying Concerns
A rally hosted by the Columbus Sports Commission is slated to further galvanize support for the NWSL bid. This aligns with the broader narrative of Columbus solidifying its reputation as a "MASSIVE soccer city," highlighted by its role in hosting the NWSL Challenge Cup and potential matches during the LA28 Olympics.
However, not all voices within the city government express uniform enthusiasm. Columbus City Council President Shannon Hardin has voiced reservations, suggesting that simply providing a $25 million allocation could be perceived as a "handout to folks who don't need it," particularly in light of concerns that "many of our residents feel they are being left behind." His stance, and that of a majority of the council who reportedly opposed an initial proposal to use city capital dollars, indicates a division regarding the extent and nature of public financial commitment. The current plan, which relies on a ticket surcharge rather than direct city capital, appears to be a negotiated compromise aimed at addressing these concerns.
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Background: Columbus's Soccer Landscape
Columbus has a deep-rooted connection to professional soccer, being home to the Columbus Crew, one of Major League Soccer's (MLS) founding franchises. The city also hosts Ohio State University, adding to its athletic infrastructure and potential fan base. The prospect of an NWSL team builds upon this established soccer culture, with proponents envisioning investments in the full development of women's soccer, including potential academy systems. The Haslam Sports Group has reportedly already begun planning for a state-of-the-art training facility.
