How Columbus won their 2028 NWSL expansion bid

The NWSL officially has its 18th team. On Tuesday, commissioner Jess Berman announced that Columbus would be joining the league in 2028. The Athletic also understands that the ownership group, Haslam Sports Group (HSG), Nationwide and Drs. Christine and Pete Edwards, have paid a record $205 million in expansion fees to make that happen.So, how did Columbus win the race to be the NWSL’s 18th team? What was behind their pitch, and what do they intend to bring to the league?On this episode of Full Time, hosts Jillian Sakovits and Tamerra Griffin were joined by Asli Pelit and Melanie Anzidei to go inside the 2028 expansion news. From what they learned from sitting down with the team owners and the league commissioner, to reflecting on time spent in Columbus, the city’s unique fanbase and state-of-the-art facilities, as well as the tumultuous city council vote and questions from the local community about promises not being kept._______________HOSTS: Jillian Sakovits, Tamerra GriffinGUESTS: Melanie Anzidei, Asli PelitPRODUCER: Theo Lloyd-HughesVIDEO PRODUCER: Lia GriffinEXECUTIVE PRODUCER: Emily Olsen_______________Referenced on the show:Columbus is coming to the NWSL. Some locals are conflicted about itNWSL awards expansion team to Columbus for record $205 million fee_______________Get in touch: ⁠⁠fulltime@theathletic.com⁠⁠Follow on Instagram and TikTok: @tafulltimeSubscribe to our Youtube channel: hereSubscribe to the Full Time newsletter ⁠⁠here⁠⁠Visit the Yahoo Women's Sports hub ⁠⁠here Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.