The National Women’s Soccer League, known as the easier-to-pronounce NWSL, is poised for expansion, and Cincinnati is among the frontrunners to secure one of the two available expansion slots. Now, women’s basketball phenom Caitlin Clark is joining their ownership group. This strategic move has significantly elevated Cincinnati’s chances, injecting star power and substantial financial resources into their bid.
The NWSL, currently a 12-team league, aims to expand its footprint to 14 teams by 2026. Cincinnati, Cleveland, and Denver are the three finalists vying for the coveted two expansion slots. The league is expected to make its decision by the end of 2024, with each city presenting a compelling case centered around strong fan bases, robust financial backing, and a deep commitment to growing women’s soccer.
Caitlin Clark, the 20-year-old basketball prodigy, has rapidly ascended to stardom. Drafted first overall by the Indiana Fever in the 2024 WNBA Draft, Caitlin Clark’s impact on the league has been immediate. Her collegiate career at the University of Iowa was nothing short of legendary. In her sophomore season, Caitlin Clark averaged a staggering 27.1 points per game, setting numerous records and earning prestigious honors like the Naismith Trophy and the Wooden Award. Beyond her on-court brilliance, Caitlin Clark boasts a massive social media following, with over 3 million Instagram followers, and lucrative endorsement deals with major brands such as her $28 million dollar, 8-year deal with Nike.
In the WNBA, Caitlin Clark’s rookie season has been nothing short of impressive. While specific salary details for individual players are not publicly disclosed by the WNBA, it’s estimated that Caitlin Clark has a contract worth $338,000 with the Indiana Fever. While this contract pales in size compared to that of even a starting basketball player in the NBA, who earns a league minimum of $1,157,153 for the 2024–2025 NBA season, Caitlin Clark’s contract is one the largest in the WNBA.
Caitlin Clark’s involvement in Cincinnati’s NWSL bid brings a multitude of benefits. Her immense star power and massive following have the potential to attract new fans to the league, driving significant revenue through merchandise sales, ticket sales, and sponsorships. Moreover, Caitlin Clark’s substantial financial investment in the team demonstrates a strong commitment to the project and provides a substantial boost to the team’s financial resources.
Cincinnati’s bid is further strengthened by the involvement of FC Cincinnati, the city’s Major League Soccer (MLS) team. Owned by Carl Lindner III, FC Cincinnati has invested heavily in soccer infrastructure in the city, including the construction of a state-of-the-art stadium. This existing infrastructure, coupled with the passionate fan base cultivated by FC Cincinnati, provides a solid foundation for a successful NWSL team.
The competition for the NWSL expansion slots is undeniably fierce, but Cincinnati’s bid, bolstered by the addition of Caitlin Clark, is gaining significant momentum. The city’s strong soccer market, combined with the star power, financial resources, and strategic partnerships of Caitlin Clark and FC Cincinnati, positions Cincinnati as a formidable contender to secure one of the coveted expansion slots. The league’s decision will undoubtedly shape the future of women’s soccer in the United States, and Cincinnati, with its compelling bid and the influence of Caitlin Clark, is well-positioned to play a significant role in this exciting chapter.
Caitlin Clark, Cincinnati’s expansion bid and taking NWSL to a new level