The NWSL officially has its 18th team. On Tuesday, commissioner Jess Berman announced that Columbus would be joining the league in 2028. The Athletic also understands that the ownership group, Haslam Sports Group (HSG), Nationwide and Drs. Christine and Pete Edwards, have paid a record $205 million in expansion fees to make that happen.

So, how did Columbus win the race to be the NWSL’s 18th team? What was behind their pitch, and what do they intend to bring to the league?

On this episode of Full Time, hosts Jillian Sakovits and Tamerra Griffin were joined by Asli Pelit and Melanie Anzidei to go inside the 2028 expansion news. From what they learned from sitting down with the team owners and the league commissioner, to reflecting on time spent in Columbus, the city’s unique fanbase and state-of-the-art facilities, as well as the tumultuous city council vote and questions from the local community about promises not being kept.

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HOSTS: Jillian Sakovits, Tamerra Griffin

GUESTS: Melanie Anzidei, Asli Pelit

PRODUCER: Theo Lloyd-Hughes

VIDEO PRODUCER: Lia Griffin

EXECUTIVE PRODUCER: Emily Olsen

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Referenced on the show:

Columbus is coming to the NWSL. Some locals are conflicted about it

NWSL awards expansion team to Columbus for record $205 million fee

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Get in touch: ⁠⁠fulltime@theathletic.com⁠⁠