
Indiana Fever guard Caitlin Clark lent her influential presence to support Cincinnati’s bid for an NWSL expansion team, yet the league appears to be pursuing financial prospects elsewhere. According to Sportico, the NWSL has entered exclusive negotiations with a Denver-based consortium for its 16th franchise. The anticipated expansion fee, estimated between $105 million and $120 million, would dwarf previous records, eclipsing the $53 million benchmark set by Bay FC and Boston’s entry into the league. While discussions remain in progress, the staggering figures are shaping the future of women’s soccer.
Before the NWSL Championship in November, commissioner Jessica Berman revealed the league had narrowed its search to three finalists: Denver, Cleveland, and Cincinnati. Clark, a central figure in Cincinnati’s proposal, partnered with FC Cincinnati’s ownership to bolster the bid. The group’s pitch included access to the state-of-the-art TQL Stadium and a $5 million investment toward a dedicated training facility for the prospective women’s team. “She wants to win and see this happen,” FC Cincinnati co-CEO Jeff Berding noted, underscoring Clark’s passion and proximity to the project despite her Indianapolis-based WNBA commitments.
Clark’s stature as one of the top 10 highest-paid female athletes in 2024 added significant weight to the Cincinnati bid. Her involvement brought prestige and credibility, earning recognition from NWSL commissioner Jessica Berman, who described Clark’s interest as an “honor.” Yet, even with her star power, the league was seemingly swayed by the financial allure of the Denver proposal. The Denver group, led by IMA Financial Group CEO Robert Cohen, includes a diverse team of prominent figures from business, sports, and government, solidifying its bid as the frontrunner.
Fans expressed disappointment across social media, with many calling the NWSL’s decision a missed opportunity to align with Clark’s vision for growing women’s soccer. Cincinnati’s bid, with its emphasis on infrastructure and Clark’s influential backing, highlighted a commitment to sustainability and community integration. Still, the Denver consortium’s financial strength and robust leadership team, featuring names like Phos CEO Nicole Glaros and former NWSL player Jordan Angeli, proved difficult to overlook.
As the NWSL moves closer to finalizing its decision, the potential Denver franchise represents a pivotal moment for women’s sports, signaling the league’s focus on financial viability and long-term growth. For Clark, this marks only the beginning of her foray into shaping women’s soccer, as her efforts underscore her commitment to expanding opportunities for female athletes. Whether Cincinnati’s vision resurfaces in the future remains to be seen, but Clark’s involvement has undoubtedly left a lasting impression