Caitlin Clark has reached unparalleled milestones in her basketball career after only one season in the WNBA. Alongside her athletic triumphs, her earning potential has soared, positioning her among the most marketable athletes in professional sports. At just 22, Clark is already making strategic investments with her financial success. Recently, it was revealed that the Indiana Fever star has joined an ownership group bidding to establish a National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) team in Cincinnati. Reports suggest that the expansion fee alone could climb as high as $100 million.
Leading this ambitious endeavor is Jeff Berding, the co-CEO of Major League Soccer’s FC Cincinnati. Speaking to The Athletic, Berding disclosed Clark’s pivotal decision to join the bid, emphasizing that the WNBA All-Star took the initiative to make her involvement public. “It was Caitlin’s desire to go public,” Berding explained. “We didn’t decide for her—she’s incredibly proud to be part of this effort, and her competitive spirit shines through.”
Berding, a former Cincinnati City Council member, praised Clark’s commitment to the project. He noted that her proximity to Cincinnati, while playing for the Indianapolis-based Fever, offers her a unique opportunity to remain actively engaged. “She wants to win and see this vision come to life,” he said. “Being just 100 miles away gives her the chance to contribute in a meaningful way.”
Despite Cincinnati’s compelling case, the bid remains highly competitive. Rival groups from Cleveland, Philadelphia, and Denver are also vying to secure an NWSL expansion team. Each of these cities presents a strong case, but Clark’s involvement undeniably gives Cincinnati a significant edge. Her presence as one of the most recognizable figures in sports could prove to be a decisive factor.
While the future of the Cincinnati bid is uncertain, one thing is clear: Caitlin Clark is setting a new standard for athlete-led ventures in professional sports. By leveraging her platform and passion for competition, she is not only shaping her legacy on the basketball court but also influencing the broader landscape of women’s sports.
