WNBA, Indiana Fever star Caitlin Clark joins Cincinnati ownership group in NWSL expansion bid

WNBA star Caitlin Clark could be a part owner of a NWSL team, if Cincinnati's bid is successful.

The NWSL is considering a handful of groups for a 16th franchise and Cincinnati is set to compete with Denver and Cleveland for the next expansion team. An announcement on the location is expected before the end of the year, according to a report from ESPN.

Cincinnati's bid is bolstered by backing from the ownership of MLS side FC Cincinnati, as well as the fact that the city already has a stadium purpose-built for soccer. Cleveland and Denver have both pledged to build stadiums, with the former purchasing land on which to construct one. The expansion bid is expected to cost around $100 million, almost double the $53M Bay FC and Boston paid in 2023.

"The NWSL Cincinnati bid team is thrilled that Caitlin Clark has joined our ownership group in pursuit of bringing a women's professional soccer team to our city," the NWSL Cincinnati bid team said.

In a pre-NWSL Championship news conference, league commissioner Jessica Berman expressed her excitement at Clark's involvement in ownership: "Her contribution to women's sports is historic, having her interest in the NWSL is an honor, we couldn't be more excited about her sharing her own personal story about being a young soccer player and loving the game."

The league is expected to announce the location of the new franchise before the end of the year. Should that happen, Clark will be added to a long list of athletes invested in NWSL, that already includes the likes of Patrick Mahomes, Serena Williams and Kevin Durant.