Caitlin Clark Joins Effort to Bring NWSL Expansion Team to Cincinnati

Caitlin Clark, a standout player for the Indiana Fever, is involved in the ownership group working to establish a new NWSL team in Cincinnati.

Cincinnati is among a small number of contenders competing for an NWSL expansion team that is anticipated to be granted before the conclusion of the year. The team is set to start competing in 2026, adding to an expansion team in Boston that was already announced, bringing the NWSL total to 16 teams.

Clark was chosen as the top pick in the WNBA draft this year by the Fever after setting a new NCAA scoring record at the University of Iowa. In 2024, she was awarded the WNBA Rookie of the Year title and became the first rookie to be named to the All-WNBA First Team since Candace Parker in 2008.

“The NWSL Cincinnati bid team is thrilled that Caitlin Clark has joined our ownership group in pursuit of bringing a women’s professional soccer team to our city,” : the NWSL Cincinnati bid team said in a statement to ESPN.

“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 for women and girls around the world, make her a vital part of our compelling bid to become the 16th team in the NWSL.”

The ownership group of FC Cincinnati’s MLS team is spearheading the bid. Additionally, included in the competition are teams from Cleveland, Denver, Nashville, and Philadelphia. Sources informed ESPN that Cincinnati is seen as a top contender in the selection process due to the support of its ownership and the presence of a soccer-specific stadium.

Sources have reported that Cleveland, Denver, and Philadelphia plan to construct stadiums and utilize temporary venues when they debut in 2026, pending acceptance of their bid.

Recently, the team in Cleveland, thought to have a strong bid by multiple sources, revealed that it has purchased downtown land for the construction of a stadium.

Several sources indicated that the cost for the expansion of the 16th NWSL team may be close to $100 million. Boston and Bay FC, who started playing this year, both forked out $53 million to join the league following their selection in 2023.

Earlier this year, a dozen serious inquiries marked the beginning of the latest process in bidding.