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Cleveland Makes Final Push for NWSL Expansion

The region is united behind bringing women’s pro soccer to Cleveland – and building an historic soccer-specific stadium to win the 16th bid


CLEVELAND — Dec. 14, 2024 — Cleveland Soccer Group (CSG) is in the final stretch of a 14-month public campaign to bring Cleveland the 16th expansion team in the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL).

Cleveland’s case for being the best market to expand the women’s game includes a strategic and diverse ownership group, co-founded by Cleveland natives Michael Murphy and Nolan Gallagher; 15,500+ season ticket pledges, showcasing the groundswell of support from fans around the region; and a groundbreaking soccer-specific stadium, purpose-built for this women’s professional soccer team.

The NWSL is expected to announce its decision before the end of 2024; the league announced in late Novermber that Cleveland was in the final three cities being considered for the expansion team. The 16th expansion team will kick off in March 2026, alongside Boston, which was named the 15th team last year.

An Historic Stadium Built for Women’s Pro Sports

Central to Cleveland’s proposal is a soccer-specific stadium, purpose-built for the NWSL team. As the primary tenant, Cleveland’s NWSL team would have control over scheduling, sponsorships, naming rights, and in-venue branding—a critical differentiator that ensures operational independence, control of its economics and factors in favor of long-term success.

It also enhances Cleveland’s value proposition to NWSL players, alongside a dedicated training facility and other opportunities to maximize players’ lives and development.

“Purpose-built infrastructure sends a powerful message that women’s sports are worth investing in,” said Murphy. “This stadium isn’t just about soccer; it’s about Cleveland being at the forefront of a movement that’s changing the game for women in sports and can change the trajectory of Northeast Ohio.”

Community Buy-In and Economic Impact

NWSL Commissioner Jessica Berman has emphasized the importance of local leadership and community engagement in the success of expansion bids. Cleveland’s proposal aligns perfectly with these priorities. From robust local support to plans for meaningful economic impact, the bid reflects a city ready to embrace its team.

“Cleveland deserves great things. We’re not just building a team; we’re building a legacy,” said Gallagher. “This stadium will drive tourism, bring new people downtown, create jobs and serve as a rallying point for the entire region.”

The league’s recently announced white paper (in development) on the community benefits of investing in women’s sports infrastructure underscores the timeliness of Cleveland’s bid. The city’s focus on purpose-built facilities directly answers the league’s call for forward-thinking, community-oriented investment.

A Region’s Rallying Cry

CSG’s 15,500+ season ticket pledges from across the region reflect a united front of fans eager to support women’s soccer in Northeast Ohio.

In October 2023, CSG launched the “Back the Bid” campaign, which asked fans to make a season ticket pledge for $26 (a symbolic price for the team starting in 2026). The pledge included a T-shirt, sticker and place in line when tickets go on sale. With a stadium capacity of 12,500, pledges have exceeded the seats available – and that place in line becomes more valuable by the day. Fans can still make pledges until the announcement happens – at clevelandprosoccer.com.

To date, the top 20 cities driving this community movement and making season ticket pledges include:

  1. Cleveland
  2. Lakewood
  3. Shaker Heights
  4. Cleveland Heights
  5. Rocky River
  6. Strongsville
  7. Akron
  8. Bay Village
  9. Solon
  10. Westlake
  11. Medina
  12. Chagrin Falls
  13. Hudson
  14. Columbus
  15. Avon Lake
  16. Parma
  17. Fairview Park
  18. Warren
  19. Mentor
  20. Cuyahoga Falls

The Path Forward

As Cleveland awaits the league’s decision, the city remains hopeful and focused on winning. With a compelling case built on passion, investment, infrastructure and vision, Cleveland is poised to become a pivotal market in one of the world’s fastest-growing sports leagues. For media inquiries or more information about Cleveland’s NWSL bid, please contact Gina Prodan Kelly at gina@clevelandsoccergroup.com. 

About Cleveland Soccer Group:

Founded in 2022, the Cleveland Soccer Group (CSG) is committed to bringing professional soccer to Cleveland and using the sport as a vehicle to enrich local communities across the region. CSG will launch a new men’s professional soccer team in Cleveland that will play in MLS Next Pro. CSG is driven to make a difference by investing in the team, infrastructure and the region’s people to foster economic development, civic pride and unite fans of the sport in collaboration with Cleveland leadership and top organizations.  CSG is in competition to be awarded the next National Women’s Soccer League club. The ownership group includes co-founders and native Clevelanders Michael Murphy and Nolan Gallagher. Murphy is also a member of the U.S. Soccer Federation’s Development Council. For more information, visit clevelandprosoccer.com and follow the organization on Instagram, LinkedIn, Facebook or X.