Caitlin Clark, the rising star of the Indiana Fever and reigning WNBA Rookie of the Year, may soon add “NWSL team owner” to her list of accomplishments. On Thursday, it was revealed that Clark is part of a group of investors seeking to bring a National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) team to Cincinnati. This ambitious plan, which would involve a $100 million expansion fee, aims to secure a spot in the NWSL’s 2026 season.
Jessica Berman, the commissioner of the NWSL, shared her excitement about Clark’s involvement in this groundbreaking move. In a statement, Berman highlighted Clark’s outstanding achievements in women’s sports, calling them “incredible” and “historic.” Berman also emphasized how Clark’s success has had a profound impact on the sports landscape, inspiring young athletes across the world. The commissioner expressed how honored the league would be to work with Clark, particularly given her passion for soccer and her own personal journey as a young player.
Berman also noted that Clark’s influence could significantly help grow the NWSL’s reach, especially among young athletes. “Her message about being a multi-sport athlete resonates deeply with kids who dream of following in her footsteps,” Berman explained. She further mentioned that Clark’s involvement could open new avenues for collaboration to elevate the league’s visibility and inspire future generations of female athletes.
While Clark and her team have a strong bid, the competition is fierce. Investors from other cities, including Philadelphia, Denver, and Cleveland, have also submitted bids to secure the expansion spot. However, Clark’s involvement has certainly turned heads, particularly with Berman expressing keen interest in working closely with the star athlete if Cincinnati’s bid is successful.
As of now, it remains uncertain who will ultimately win the bid for the 2026 expansion, but Clark’s participation adds a unique dynamic to the process. Her combination of athletic excellence and business acumen could bring a fresh and exciting dimension to the NWSL, further propelling the growth of women’s sports on the national stage. With the league already enthusiastic about her potential contributions, the future of women’s professional soccer looks even brighter.
