The NWSL awarded its 18th franchise to Columbus, with Haslam Sports Group leading the ownership consortium. The group paid a record $205 million expansion fee, with the new team set to begin play in 2028 alongside Atlanta's new franchise. The Haslam family, who also own the Columbus Crew, will operate the team at ScottsMiracle-Gro Field.

The stadium will undergo renovations while a dedicated training facility will be built on the city's southwest side. The total investment reaches approximately $300 million, combined with $50 million in government funding split between Columbus and Franklin County. City Council approved the city's contribution after a contentious meeting.

The Columbus expansion continues the NWSL's rapid growth, which has seen the league expand from 10 teams in 2021 to 18 by 2028. The ownership group includes the Edwards family and Nationwide insurance company as partners in this historic investment.