Cincinnati is set to potentially welcome its first National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) team, thanks to the involvement of none other than basketball star Caitlin Clark. Her addition to the ownership group has sparked excitement among fans and stakeholders eager to see the city secure its position as the 16th NWSL franchise.
Clark, who currently plays for the Indiana Fever and made headlines as the WNBA’s Rookie of the Year, brings not just star power but also significant influence to the project. The bid, backed by the ownership group of Major League Soccer club FC Cincinnati, is competing against proposals from Cleveland and Denver. NWSL Commissioner Jessica Berman confirmed during her address at the recent NWSL Championship game the three finalists: Cincinnati, Cleveland, and Denver.
“The process is still very much alive, and we’re enthusiastic about the prospects,” Berman stated, highlighting how the league anticipates announcing the bidding results by the end of 2024. This announcement could set the stage for Cincinnati to kick off its season as early as 2026.
With Clark onboard, the Cincinnati bid team expressed their thrill and confidence. "Her passion for the sport, commitment to eleving women’s sports, and influence as an athlete and role model make her a key part of our compelling bid to bring professional women’s soccer to our city," they remarked. The involvement of star athletes like Clark is particularly significant as they shine light on women’s sports and the avenues available for female athletes.
While Clark’s rookie season has just concluded, her transition to becoming part of the ownership group showcases her dedication to supporting and promoting women’s athletics beyond her basketball career. Over the past year, Clark has solidified her status as one of the most exciting prospects to enter professional sports. Her record-breaking performances during her college years at Iowa have cemented her legacy, becoming the all-time NCAA Division I scorer, and she continued her success with winning accolades and showcasing her skills on the courts of the WNBA.
The push for Cincinnati to secure its own NWSL franchise is part of the league’s larger expansion plans. The NWSL's expansion process has gained traction, with stakes incredibly high as the league continues to grow rapidly. The last awarded franchise—Boston—was sold for around $53 million, but the value of franchises like Angel City FC has skyrocketed, boosting their valuations to upwards of $250 million.
It’s not just Clark who is stepping up for Cincinnati. The city’s bid features notable figures from different backgrounds, including other female investors who are committed to eleving women’s sports culture within their community. This diverse ownership group reflects the changing dynamics of sports, where women are taking leading roles not only on the field but also behind the scenes.
Cleveland is not without its star power either, boasting the Cleveland Soccer Group's plans for constructing a $150 million stadium capable of seating 12,500 fans. This new venue aims to create a dedicated home for the team, establishing itself as another strong contender for the team’s future. The city recently secured land for developing this project, reflecting their serious commitment to nabbing the NWSL franchise.
Clark’s move should serve as inspiration for aspiring female athletes across multiple sports, showing them the diverse paths available to make significant impacts both on and off the pitch. Her strategic involvement sends a clear message about the unity and support for women’s sports, encouraging collective action for change.
Addressing the financial aspect, Hamilton County has proposed offering $5 million to bolster the bid. This investment would support site acquisition and development for the team’s training facility should the NWSL committee award the franchise to Cincinnati. The funding will be taken from the county's general fund, showcasing the local government's commitment to supporting the endeavor.
The NWSL expansion is more than just bringing soccer to Cincinnati; it’s about changing the narrative surrounding women’s sports, enhancing visibility, and driving participation at all levels. Cincinnati’s bid is not just fighting for attendance at games; it aims to drive community engagement and support networking opportunities for young female athletes.
With Cincinnati now stepping to the forefront of the expansion race, the entire region is anticipating the results of the NWSL's deliberations with bated breath. Sports enthusiasts are rallying behind the movement, showing support through community events and social media engagements, fostering excitement within the Greater Cincinnati area about this potential expansion team.
While the competition remains fierce among the bidding cities, Clark’s transition from star athlete to team owner signals hope and potential for the women's sports movement across the country. The imminent announcement by NWSL decision-makers will not only set the future direction for Cincinnati but also impacts the larger conversation about inclusivity and investment within women’s professional sports leagues. All eyes remain on Cincinnati as the city laces up its boots, ready to potentially kick off its soccer dream soon.
