WNBA star Caitlin Clark to invest in women's soccer by joining bid for new NWSL team
The Indiana Fever ace will join the bid led by MLS side FC Cincinnati, which is vying to bring a 16th team to the soccer league in 2026.
Basketball star Caitlin Clark is ready take another step in growing women's sports.
The Indiana Fever guard, who has been a cornerstone of the WNBA’s development since being selected first in the draft earlier this year, is part of an ownership group looking to invest in a new National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) side.
If successful in their bid, an expansion team will be added in Cincinnati, joining fellow newcomers Boston to bring the league to 16 teams in 2026.
“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 group said in a statement to ESPN.
“Her passion for the sport, commitment to elevating women’s sports in and around the Greater Cincinnati region, and influence as an athlete and role model for women and girls around the world, make her a vital part of our compelling bid to become the 16th team in the NWSL.”
Major Soccer League (MLS) side FC Cincinnati is leading the bid. It is considered a favourite, because of its “ownership backing and existing infrastructure, with a stadium already purpose-built” for the sport.
They face competition from groups in Cleveland, Denver, Nashville and Philadelphia.
