Haslam Sports Group Eyes NWSL Expansion: What a Columbus Franchise Means for Soccer Betting
By Oddixa —
The ownership group behind the Cleveland Browns and Columbus Crew is officially exploring a bid for an NWSL expansion team, potentially bringing top-tier women's soccer to Ohio.
Columbus Emerging as a Major Player in NWSL Expansion
The landscape of American professional soccer is shifting once again, and Ohio is positioned at the epicenter. Haslam Sports Group (HSG), the powerhouse ownership collective behind the NFL’s Cleveland Browns and MLS’s Columbus Crew, has officially confirmed its interest in bringing a National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) expansion franchise to Columbus.
This move marks a significant step in the NWSL's aggressive growth strategy. With the league recently welcoming high-profile entries like Bay FC and the upcoming return of the Boston franchise, the addition of a Columbus-based club would solidify the Midwest as a stronghold for women’s professional sports. For bettors and fans alike, this development signals a broadening of the market and new opportunities in a rapidly maturing league.
The Haslam Influence: A Proven Track Record
When evaluating the potential success of a new franchise, the strength of ownership is often the first metric savvy sports bettors look at. The Haslam family, led by Dee and Jimmy Haslam, alongside partner Whitney Johnson, has demonstrated a deep commitment to the Columbus sports ecosystem. Since taking over the Columbus Crew, they have overseen the construction of Lower.com Field—a state-of-the-art facility—and secured two MLS Cup titles (2020, 2023).
From a betting perspective, strong ownership typically translates to better infrastructure, high-quality player recruitment, and organizational stability. In the NWSL, where parity is high but resources vary between clubs, a well-funded Columbus team backed by HSG would likely enter the league as an immediate mid-table contender or better, rather than a bottom-tier expansion project.
Why Columbus? The Case for a Soccer Stronghold
Columbus has evolved into one of the premier soccer markets in the United States. The city consistently delivers high television ratings for international tournaments and has a proven track record of selling out NWSL exhibition matches and USWNT friendlies.
For those who track betting volume and market liquidity, a Columbus franchise offers a built-in, passionate fan base. High local engagement often leads to more localized betting action, which can influence line movements, particularly in the "Home Field Advantage" metrics that bookmakers use to set spreads and totals.
Betting Implications: The Expanding NWSL Market
The NWSL is no longer a niche betting market. With increased broadcast visibility through deals with ESPN, CBS, and Amazon Prime, the league has seen a surge in handle across major sportsbooks. The entry of a Columbus team would provide several new angles for bettors to consider:
- Futures Markets: Expansion teams often offer high-value "longshot" odds in their inaugural seasons. Depending on how aggressively HSG pursues top-tier talent during the expansion draft and free agency, a Columbus side could be an intriguing dark horse for playoff qualification.
- Derby Opportunities: A Columbus team would create natural regional rivalries with clubs like the Chicago Red Stars and Racing Louisville. Rivalry matches often see increased physical play and higher card counts, providing specific opportunities for prop betting on fouls and bookings.
- Roster Construction: Bettors should keep a close eye on the NWSL Expansion Draft rules. If Columbus is granted a franchise, their ability to pluck protected veterans from established rosters will dictate their opening-day moneyline value.
What’s Next for the Bid?
While the interest is formal, the road to an expansion slot is competitive. The NWSL has expressed a desire to reach 16 teams by 2026, and several other cities are vying for the same opportunity. However, the synergy between a potential NWSL team and the existing Columbus Crew infrastructure gives the Haslam group a distinct logistical advantage.
If the bid is successful, we can expect a formal announcement regarding the team’s branding and entry timeline within the next 12 to 18 months. For the Ohio sports betting community, which has seen explosive growth since legalization, the addition of a top-flight women’s soccer team represents another year-round betting asset to add to the portfolio.
Stay tuned to Oddixa as we monitor the NWSL expansion race and provide updated analytical breakdowns of how new franchises impact the betting landscape.