NWSL Expansion Bid Heats Up as Cincinnati and Cleveland Compete for 16th Team

The National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) is in the process of selecting its 16th team to join its ranks, and several cities are fiercely competing for the coveted spot. Cincinnati and Cleveland have emerged as strong contenders, with news of a star athlete joining Cincinnati’s bid further raising the stakes.

Cincinnati is among the leading cities bidding for the NWSL expansion team, which is expected to be announced before the year’s end. The new team, set to begin play in 2026, would join a previously announced expansion team in Boston, elevating the league’s number to 16 teams.

According to multiple sources, Cincinnati’s bid is backed by the ownership group of Major League Soccer team FC Cincinnati. The group’s effort has gained significant attention following the inclusion of WNBA star Caitlin Clark in its ownership team. The Cincinnati bid team expressed enthusiasm about Clark’s involvement, highlighting her passion for the sport and influence as a role model for women globally. A statement from the team said, «Her passion for the sport, commitment to elevating women’s sports in and around the Greater Cincinnati region, and influence as an athlete and role model make her a vital part of our compelling bid.»

Caitlin Clark, who was recently drafted first in the WNBA by the Indiana Fever and named WNBA Rookie of the Year, is anticipated to bring considerable visibility and credibility to the Cincinnati bid. The support and existing infrastructure, including a purpose-built stadium for soccer, place Cincinnati as a favorite, sources told ESPN.

Meanwhile, Cleveland is also making strides in its bid to secure the NWSL team. Cleveland Pro Soccer CEO Michael Murphy underscores the potential impact of such a team in the city, noting, «This is incredibly important given where we are in women’s sports.» The team would establish Cleveland’s identity in soccer, given the absence of a men’s professional team.

Cleveland Pro Soccer plans to build a stadium on 14 acres near Progressive Field. The planned stadium, if approved, would be one of the only purpose-built venues for a women’s professional sports team globally, noted by Gina Kelly, Content Director for Cleveland Pro Soccer. Their «Back the Bid» initiative has already garnered over 15,000 fans expressing interest in season tickets.

Several cities, including Denver, Nashville, and Philadelphia, are also in contention, each prepared to launch teams in temporary venues while building new facilities if successful in their bids. The expansion fee for the new NWSL team is anticipated to approach $100 million, surpassing the $53 million paid by Boston and Bay FC for their entry into the league last year.

The eventual winner of the NWSL expansion bid will join a growing list of teams that compose the league, including Angel City FC, San Diego Wave FC, Kansas City Current, and others, contributing to the vibrant and evolving landscape of women’s soccer in the United States.