Nationwide backs new NWSL franchise

The National Women’s Soccer League has awarded Columbus, Ohio the league’s 18th franchise. The club, set to begin play in 2028 at ScottsMiracle-Gro Field in Columbus’ Arena District, will be owned by Haslam Sports Group, Nationwide, and the Edwards family.

Nationwide has been the exclusive insurance partner of the NWSL since 2021.

The new NWSL club adds to a broader portfolio of sports relationships for Nationwide that includes sponsorships in the NFL, NWSL, MLS, PGA TOUR and NHL.

“Nationwide was born in Columbus, and we’ve grown up together over the last 100 years. As we prepared to celebrate our centennial, we knew we wanted to do something big to give back to the city that has given us so much. Supporting a new professional women’s sports franchise in Central Ohio was a unique opportunity we just had to embrace.” – Kirt Walker, Nationwide chief executive officer.