Columbus City Council Proposes Ticket Fee to Fund Women’s Pro Soccer Expansion

April 4, 2026

Columbus City Council announced a plan yesterday to raise $25 million to fund the potential expansion of National Women’s Soccer League to Columbus.

The proposal, which has been agreed upon by team ownership partners Haslam Sports Group, Nationwide and the The Edwards families, would see the implementation of a two percent levy on ticketed events at ScottsMiracle-Gro Field to cover the costs. Under this plan, the City of Columbus would front the money for the expansion, and the ticket fee would reimburse the city over time.

“This is a fair and balanced plan that sets the stage for NWSL expansion to Columbus but also protects taxpayer dollars by funding itself over time,” stated Columbus City Council President Shannon Hardin. “It shows how Columbus can act boldly and strategically, even in financially-challenging moments like this one. I’m grateful to Councilmember Bankston, Auditor Megan Kilgore, the Crew and the Haslam Sports Group for everyone’s willingness to roll up their sleeves and be creative.” COLUMBUS UNDERGROUND