Crew homeowners Jimmy and Dee Haslam are exploring the choice of bringing an NWSL crew Columbus.
Whereas the Haslams additionally maintain majority-ownership within the NFL’s , an announcement from a Haslam Sports activities Group spokesperson confirms that Columbus is the place the potential enlargement crew would play.
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“Haslam Sports activities Group persistently evaluates numerous funding alternatives throughout the sports activities and leisure business,” mentioned the assertion.
“We’re excited to proceed these conversations and additional assess the most effective course for all events. With the expansion of ladies’s sports activities and the NWSL, the prospect of an enlargement franchise for the Metropolis of Columbus, Franklin County and passionate soccer followers throughout Ohio is extremely interesting.”
Together with the Haslams, the potential possession group would come with Columbus-based insurance coverage firm Nationwide, Crew minor-owner Dr. Pete Edwards and Haslam Sports activities Group managing companions J.W. Johnson and Whitney Haslam.
KANSAS CITY, MISSOURI – NOVEMBER 23: An in depth view of a NWSL soccer ball earlier than the NWSL 2024 Championship Sport between the Orlando Pleasure and the Washington Spirit at CPKC Stadium on November 23, 2024 in Kansas Metropolis, Missouri.
A report from ESPN confirmed NWSL video games could be performed on the Crew’s residence venue, ScottsMiracle-Gro Subject, if the enlargement crew got here to fruition. Nonetheless, the 2 groups would have completely different coaching amenities.
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The NWSL at present has 17 groups after saying its latest enlargement crew in Atlanta final November. AMB Sports activities paid a league-high $165 million payment for the crew.
Columbus is amongst a number of cities fascinated by gaining the rights to the league’s 18th crew.
“Whereas we do not touch upon particular markets or pending bids, we proceed to have interaction in a deliberate, rolling enlargement course of with plenty of world-class potential possession teams as we glance towards the way forward for the league,” mentioned an NWSL spokesperson in an announcement obtained by ESPN.
ScottsMiracle-Gro Subject is about to host Columbus’s first NWSL occasion, the Problem Cup between Gotham FC and Kansas Metropolis Present, on June 26.
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It is a creating story and we’ll replace with extra particulars.