In a stunning development that could reshape the landscape of women’s professional soccer in the United States, rising WNBA superstar Caitlin Clark has thrown her hat into the ring as part of the ownership group seeking to bring an NWSL expansion team to Cincinnati. The bid, spearheaded by the ownership of MLS club FC Cincinnati, is now considered one of the frontrunners in the heated expansion race.
The 21-year-old Clark, fresh off a historic rookie season with the Indiana Fever, brings a new level of star power and excitement to the Cincinnati project. The former University of Iowa standout shattered NCAA scoring records before becoming the No. 1 overall pick in the 2024 WNBA Draft. She proceeded to take the league by storm, capturing Rookie of the Year honors and becoming the first rookie since 2008 to earn a spot on the All-WNBA First Team.
Cincinnati’s Expansion Bid Gains Momentum
The Queen City’s expansion bid has been gaining steam in recent months, bolstered by the deep pockets and soccer pedigree of the FC Cincinnati ownership group. The team already boasts a soccer-specific stadium and established infrastructure, key factors that have pushed Cincinnati to the forefront of the expansion conversation.
With Clark now on board, the bid has an additional ace up its sleeve. The young phenom’s involvement is sure to generate buzz and attract the attention of fans and media alike. It’s a savvy move that could provide the Cincinnati bid with a crucial edge over its competitors.
The Expansion Landscape
Cincinnati is hardly alone in its pursuit of an NWSL franchise. The league, which has experienced tremendous growth and increased visibility in recent years, has no shortage of suitors. Groups from Cleveland, Denver, Nashville, and Philadelphia are also in the mix, each presenting a compelling case for expansion.
The Cleveland bid recently made waves by securing downtown land for a proposed stadium, while the Denver, Nashville, and Philadelphia groups have all expressed their intentions to build new soccer-specific venues should they be awarded a team. The competition is fierce, and the expansion fees are expected to approach a staggering $100 million for the league’s 16th franchise.
The Clark Effect
There’s no denying the impact that a player of Caitlin Clark’s caliber and popularity could have on a new NWSL club. Her presence alone would provide instant credibility and help attract top talent to Cincinnati. She’s a bona fide superstar with the ability to put butts in seats and eyeballs on screens.
Clark’s involvement also sends a powerful message about the growing influence and empowerment of female athletes. By taking an ownership stake in a professional sports franchise, she’s blazing a trail for other young women to follow in her footsteps. It’s a move that could help shift the paradigm and open new doors for women in sports.
What’s Next?
The NWSL expansion process is expected to wrap up before the end of the year, with the winning bid announced in the coming months. The new team would begin play in 2026, alongside a previously awarded franchise in Boston, bringing the league to an even 16 clubs.
For now, all eyes are on Cincinnati and the star-studded ownership group that has thrown its weight behind the city’s bid. With Caitlin Clark in the fold and the backing of FC Cincinnati’s deep-pocketed owners, the Queen City has emerged as a legitimate frontrunner in the race for NWSL expansion.
The coming months will be critical as the bids are evaluated and the league makes its final decision. But one thing is certain: the addition of Caitlin Clark to the Cincinnati ownership group has raised the stakes and added a new layer of intrigue to an already fascinating process. The future of women’s professional soccer in the United States is taking shape, and Cincinnati is poised to play a starring role.
