Photo Credit: Cleveland Pro Soccer
Cleveland is slated to welcome its very own professional women’s soccer team in the spring of 2026, as part of the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL), announced by Cleveland Pro Soccer last fall.
The Cleveland Soccer Group recently acquired nearly 14 acres of land for their 150-million-dollar stadium.
The stadium is planned to be built next to Progressive Field, home of the Cleveland Guardians.
Cleveland is the only major sports market without a professional soccer team, which is why the city is actively pursuing the establishment of a professional women’s soccer team. Currently, Cleveland is ranked a Top 10 Pro Sports City.
Michael Murphy, co-founder and CEO of Cleveland Soccer Group LLC, is leading the charge as the organization gathers pledges from fans to show the NWSL that Cleveland will provide strong support for the team.
For Cleveland to secure a women’s soccer team in the NWSL, a bid must be placed. The NWSL had 12 teams in 2023 and plans to expand to 16 by 2026.
If Cleveland wins the bid to become the 16th NWSL team, they will be the first professional women’s soccer team in Ohio. Kick-Off is planned for the spring of 2026.
Students interested in supporting the project can visit here and pledge to be a fan in the stands. Learn more here.
