Claim: Columbus will front $25 million to help build the women’s training facility and stadium improvements to become the 18th NWSL franchise in 2028. 

ESPN reported in February that Haslam Sports Group, led by the Haslam family, is seriously exploring bringing a National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) expansion team to Ohio. The group already owns the Cleveland Browns of the National Football League (NFL) and the Columbus Crew of Major League Soccer (MLS).

On March 12, Jessica Berman, commissioner of the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL), confirmed that the league plans to introduce its 18th franchise later this year, according to SportsPro. The expansion team is expected to begin play in 2028.

The Haslam Sports Group asked for $25 million from the City of Columbus and another $25 million from Franklin County to help fund a training facility and stadium upgrades for the proposed NWSL expansion team, according to The Columbus Dispatch. 

According to Columbus Mayor Andrew Ginther, as reported by the Columbus Dispatch, Haslam Sports Group intends to spend half a billion, mostly from private funding, to secure a franchise. He claimed Franklin County Commissioners are “getting close to supporting” a $25-million investment on their side. 

So, his administration proposed giving the team owners a straight $25 million grant from the city’s capital budget (taxpayer money) to help build a new women’s training facility at McCoy Park and make upgrades to the stadium.

Our Rating: True

The President of the Columbus City Council, Shannon G. Hardin, and other council members opposed the idea. They argued it was a giveaway that would take money away from basic city needs, like: Sidewalks, Affordable housing, Fire stations, Rec centers, Homeless shelters, Human services. 

Many residents felt it prioritized downtown sports over neighborhood priorities, especially with a tight city budget. However, according to a Facebook post from Hardin, after two weeks of negotiations between council leaders and the ownership group, they reached a revised agreement. 

Now, the city will still front up to $25 million from capital funds to help build the women’s training facility at McCoy Park and stadium improvements. Instead of a grant, the city will recoup the money over time, projected 10–20 years, by adding a new 2% surcharge on all ticketed games and events at ScottsMiracle-Gro Field. 

This applies to Columbus Crew games, the new NWSL team’s games, concerts, and any other ticketed events. For most fans, this adds only a couple of dollars per ticket. Additionally, once the $25 million is repaid, the 2% surcharge can stay in place permanently and generate ongoing revenue for the city, which could then go toward human services, housing, youth programs, etc. 

There are also safeguards built in if ticket revenue falls short. The city has ways to recoup its investment, so taxpayers aren’t stuck with the bill.

City leaders and residents weigh in on the proposal to bring an NWSL team to Columbus

City leaders and residents in Columbus are divided over a proposal to bring a National Women’s Soccer League expansion team to the city, with public funding at the center of the debate. According to WSYX, supporters argue the project would boost opportunities and economic growth. 

“It’s competitive, and we still need to win,” said Mary Shepro of the Columbus Crew, adding that the funding would strengthen the bid. Mayor Andrew Ginther emphasized job creation and revenue benefits, stating, “We know it’s going to create 400 jobs.”

Residents remain split. “There should be no public funding. It’s a for-profit business,” said Glen Tuomaala. Meanwhile, others highlighted its social impact, with Lisa Rusch noting how inspiring it would be for young girls to see professional women athletes and local businesses benefit.

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