national women's soccer league

An aerial photo of a park with a playground and several turf soccer fields.

Frustrations about prices at Kilbourne fields highlight debate about use of Columbus parks

Allie Vugrincic

A resident told Columbus City Council that park employees removed a child from an unoccupied turf field at Kilbourne Run Sports Park. The fields rent at $250 for two hours.

Sports

Columbus awarded National Women's Soccer League expansion franchise starting in 2028

Jared Clayton Brown, The Associated Press

A NWSL expansion team is coming to Columbus starting in 2028.

Columbus City Council President Shannon Hardin speaks at a council meeting on December 15, 2025.

Sports

Columbus approves $25 million agreement for National Women's Soccer League Team in split vote

Allie Vugrincic

After making last-minute changes to the agreement, Columbus City Council voted 5 to 3 to approve it, with one person abstaining.

Columbus City Council President Shannon Hardin and City Council member Nick Bankston speak on a proposal to fund a new pro women's soccer team at a press conference at City Hall on April 3, 2026.

Politics & Government

Columbus City Council's 2% ticket tax for proposed women's soccer team faces concerns ahead of vote

George Shillcock

Columbus City Council President Shannon Hardin said he doesn't expect a unanimous vote of support from council. Mayor Andrew Ginther did back the plan after council gave his initial idea the cold shoulder.

Cleveland Browns owners Dee and Jimmy Haslam speak during a news conference at an NFL football training camp practice, Saturday, July 27, 2024, in White Sulphur Springs, W.Va.

Sports

Columbus City Council, Franklin County weigh $50 million request to help attract a NWSL team

Nora Igelnik

Billionaires Jimmy and Dee Haslam are seeking $50 million from Columbus City Council and Franklin County to help fund their effort to bring a National Women's Soccer League club to Columbus.