The National Women's Soccer League awarded its 18th expansion franchise to Columbus on Wednesday, with the team set to begin play in 2028. The franchise bid was led by the ownership group of Major League Soccer's Columbus Crew.

The new NWSL team will play its home matches at ScottsMiracle-Gro Field, which currently serves as the home venue for the Columbus Crew. This marks another expansion for the NWSL as the league continues to grow its footprint across the United States.

Separately, the Women's National Basketball Association announced significant broadcast expansion for its 2026 season. The league revealed that 216 games will receive national television coverage, representing a record number for the organization.

The WNBA's enhanced broadcast schedule will include what the league described as "tentpole events" that will be featured prominently in national programming. The announcement reflects the growing television interest in women's professional sports.

Both announcements highlight the continued expansion and increased visibility of women's professional sports leagues in the United States. The NWSL's growth to 18 teams and the WNBA's record broadcast commitment demonstrate the leagues' efforts to reach broader audiences and establish stronger market presence.