Cincinnati's NWSL Aspirations

Cincinnati's quest to establish a National Women's Soccer League (NWSL) franchise has received an electrifying boost with the announcement that Caitlin Clark, the standout guard for the WNBA's Indiana Fever and the league's reigning Rookie of the Year, is joining the ownership group leading the charge for this initiative.

Clark's Impact on the Bid

As reported by ESPN's Adam Schefter and Jeff Kassouf on Thursday, Clark's involvement is poised to elevate the bid to bring a women's professional soccer team to Cincinnati. FC Cincinnati officials confirmed her participation in a statement, expressing their excitement over her joining the team.

Excitement from FC Cincinnati

“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 statement read. “Her passion for the sport and dedication to empowering women’s sports in the Greater Cincinnati region, along with her status as a role model for women and girls globally, make her an invaluable asset to our bid for the 16th team in the NWSL.”

Broader Context of NWSL Expansion

This move marks a significant development in the NWSL's ongoing expansion efforts, which have largely remained under the radar, contrasting with the public approach taken during FC Cincinnati's push for Major League Soccer (MLS) entry.

Upcoming Championship Match

As the NWSL gears up to celebrate its championship match on Saturday at CPKC Stadium in Kansas City, Missouri, the competitive landscape for expansion is heating up. The championship will showcase the Orlando Pride taking on the Washington Spirit—an event that underscores the growing popularity and importance of women's soccer in the United States.

Other Cities in the Expansion Race

Additionally, cities such as Denver, Cleveland, Nashville, and Philadelphia are also vying for inclusion in this expansion round, each conducting site visits and strategizing behind closed doors. With Caitlin Clark’s star power now part of Cincinnati’s bid, the race for a new NWSL franchise is more thrilling than ever.

Looking Ahead