In a groundbreaking move that merges two of America’s fastest-growing women’s sports, WNBA superstar Caitlin Clark has joined the ownership group bidding to bring a National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) team to Cincinnati.
The 22-year-old basketball phenomenon, fresh off an extraordinary rookie season with the Indiana Fever, is lending her star power to Cincinnati’s ambitious bid to become the NWSL’s 16th franchise. If successful, the team would begin play in 2026 alongside the recently announced Boston expansion team.
“The NWSL Cincinnati bid team is thrilled that Caitlin Clark has joined our ownership group,” bid officials announced in a statement. “Her passion for the sport, commitment to elevating women’s sports in and around the Greater Cincinnati region, and influence as a role model make her a vital part of our compelling bid.”
Cincinnati faces stiff competition from other major markets, including Cleveland, Denver, Nashville, and Philadelphia. However, industry experts consider Cincinnati among the frontrunners, mainly due to its strong ownership backing and existing infrastructure. FC Cincinnati’s controlling owner, Carl Lindner III, leads the bid group, including what Sports Business Journal describes as “a cohort of female investors from the area.”
The Cincinnati bid stands out for its ready-to-use soccer-specific stadium. At the same time, competing cities like Cleveland, Denver, and Philadelphia would need to build new facilities and use temporary venues initially.
The stakes are higher than ever for NWSL expansion, with the entry fee potentially approaching $100 million – nearly double the $53 million paid by recent expansion teams Bay FC and Boston.
Clark’s involvement brings unprecedented attention to the bid. The basketball star has already transformed the sports landscape in her rookie WNBA season, breaking multiple records.
- First rookie in 16 years to make the All-WNBA first team
- Set new WNBA records for most assists in a season (337)
- Recorded the highest assists per game average (8.4)
- First rookie to achieve a triple-double
- Most three-pointers made by a rookie (122)
This announcement coincides with the NWSL’s continued growth. The league prepares for its championship match this Saturday at CPKC Stadium in Kansas City, where Orlando Pride will face Washington Spirit.
The expansion process has been notably private, contrasting with the public nature of previous sports franchise bids. League officials have conducted site visits in recent weeks, and a final decision is expected before the end of the year.
Clark’s investment in women’s soccer represents a significant cross-pollination of women’s sports, potentially creating new opportunities for growth and fan engagement. Her presence in the ownership group could help attract a new generation of fans and investors to women’s professional soccer, much as she has done for basketball. The move also highlights a growing trend of active athletes investing in women’s sports, demonstrating their commitment to expanding opportunities for future generations of female athletes.
Clark’s decision to invest while still early in her WNBA career speaks to her vision for the future of women’s sports and her commitment to creating lasting change in the athletic landscape. The final decision on the NWSL’s 16th franchise location is expected to be announced in the coming months, with the successful bid group joining the league for the 2026 season.