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WNBA superstar Caitlin Clark has recently joined the group leading Cincinnati’s bid for an NWSL expansion franchise. The Cincinnati group vying to secure the NWSL’s 16th team is being led by the ownership group of MLS club FC Cincinnati, headed by president and co-CEO Jeff Berding. The news of Clark’s involvement with the Cincinnati bid group was first reported by ESPN last night.
The addition of Clark is a significant boost for the bid group, which sources indicate is one of the top contenders to secure an expansion team that would launch in 2026 alongside a new team in Boston known as BOS Nation FC. Competing for the lone expansion team being sold by Inner Circle Sports on behalf of the NWSL are Cleveland, Denver, Nashville, and Philadelphia.
In a statement, the Cincinnati bid group expressed their excitement at having Clark on board, highlighting her passion for the sport, commitment to elevating women’s sports in the Greater Cincinnati region, and influence as a role model for women and girls globally as key factors in their bid to join the NWSL.
Prior to Clark’s involvement, Cincinnati’s bid emphasized the readiness of the ownership group and city to launch a new franchise quickly. TQL Stadium, opened by FC Cincinnati in 2021, is ready to be the home for the NWSL franchise, with consistent strong attendance at the 25,000-seat venue. In contrast, the Cleveland, Denver, and Philadelphia groups are planning to build new stadiums, while the Nashville team would play at Nashville SC’s Geodis Park.
Despite presenting itself as a strong candidate, sources have suggested that the Cincinnati group has not been as aggressive in their bid price compared to other cities. The highest bidding city is currently unknown.
NWSL Commissioner Jessica Berman will be giving a state of the league press conference today before the championship match in Kansas City tomorrow. It is anticipated that she will be asked about how Clark’s addition to the Cincinnati bid group impacts the league’s decision-making in the expansion process.
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