WNBA sensation Caitlin Clark is expanding her influence beyond basketball, joining the effort to bring a National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) expansion team to Cincinnati.
The Indiana Fever star, who recently completed a standout rookie season, is part of an ownership group bidding for one of the league’s highly sought-after expansion slots.
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If successful, Cincinnati’s new team would debut in 2026, alongside another expansion franchise in Boston.
In a statement released by the NWSL Cincinnati bid team, Clark‘s inclusion was celebrated as a significant boost to the proposal.
“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. Her passion for the sport, commitment to elevating women’s sports in and around the Greater Cincinnati region, and influence as an athlete and role model for women and girls around the world make her a vital part of our compelling bid to become the 16th team in the NWSL,” the statement read.
Creating a New Rivalry
Clark’s role in the Cincinnati bid could set the stage for a unique rivalry with Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes and his wife, Brittany, co-owners of the Kansas City Current, an existing NWSL team.
The Mahomes family has been instrumental in promoting women’s sports in Kansas City, and Clark‘s move to support an expansion franchise could bring an exciting dynamic to the league.
Cincinnati’s bid has been strengthened by its backing from the ownership group behind Major League Soccer’s FC Cincinnati.
The city’s existing soccer-specific stadium is a significant advantage over competing bids from Cleveland, Denver, Nashville, and Philadelphia, which still need to secure permanent venues. Sources suggest that Cincinnati is considered one of the frontrunners in the bidding process, thanks to its infrastructure and strong financial support.
Clark, a trailblazer in her own right, adds significant weight to the bid. After a historic college basketball career at Iowa and an award-winning rookie season in the WNBA, Clark‘s decision to support the growth of women’s soccer demonstrates her commitment to expanding opportunities for female athletes.
High Stakes and a Vision for the Future
The competition for the NWSL’s 16th expansion slot is intense, with the expansion fee potentially reaching $100 million.
This would be a major leap from the $53 million fees paid by Boston and Bay FC, the most recent additions to the league in 2023.
Cincinnati’s bid aims to make a strong case, not only with its financial backing but also with its alignment of athletes like Clark, who bring visibility and credibility to the effort.
Clark‘s influence as a rising star in women’s sports aligns with the NWSL’s mission to grow the league and inspire future generations.
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As the decision looms, Caitlin Clark‘s involvement highlights her drive to make a lasting impact beyond her achievements on the court.
By helping bring professional women’s soccer to Cincinnati, she positions herself as a leader in advancing women’s sports, setting the stage for an exciting new chapter for both the league and the city.
