Caitlin Clark may not be part of the Unrivaled league, but she seems to have embraced a new initiative in women’s sports.
The star player for the Indiana Fever is joining the effort to secure ownership of a National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) team in Cincinnati, which is among the cities competing for the league’s 16th franchise. FC Cincinnati, which recently concluded its MLS season on November 9 with a playoff defeat against New York City FC, is at the helm of the ownership bid. The club confirmed Clark’s involvement on Thursday evening to the Cincinnati Enquirer.
“The NWSL Cincinnati bid team is excited that Caitlin Clark has become part of our ownership group in our pursuit to bring a women’s professional soccer team to our city,” officials from Cincinnati remarked in a statement released to the local publication. “Her dedication to the sport, drive to elevate women’s sports in the Greater Cincinnati area, and her role as an athlete and mentor for women and girls globally make her an essential part of our strong bid to secure the 16th team in the NWSL.”
In late August, Sportico reported that Cincinnati and Denver’s bidding teams made presentations to the league and its counsel at the ArentFox Schiff law offices in Manhattan.
If FC Cincinnati is successful in their bid, the proposed franchise would play at TCL Stadium, the $250 million facility that has been home to the MLS team since 2021. With a valuation of $645 million, FC Cincinnati ranks 14th in Sportico’s MLS assessments, seeing a 14% increase from 2023. In terms of revenue, the team generated $79 million in 2023, placing them seventh across the league.
The NWSL currently has 14 teams, with Bay FC, based in San Jose, completing its inaugural season this fall. BOS Nation FC, the Boston franchise that has faced some backlash regarding its name, is expected to join as the 15th franchise in 2025. Reports suggest that besides Cincinnati and Denver, there is interest from areas like Cleveland, Philadelphia, Atlanta, Miami, and Nashville.
According to Sportico’s franchise valuations, the average value of an NWSL team has risen to $104 million, witnessing a 57% increase over the past year fueled by sales involving Angel City FC, the San Diego Wave, and the upcoming sale of the North Carolina Courage to Marc Lasry.
Clark recently concluded one of the most remarkable rookie seasons in WNBA history, leading the Fever to their first playoff appearance since 2016 and earning the Rookie of the Year title in a nearly unanimous vote. Her impact significantly boosted viewership for the league, which was already on an upward trajectory, and set new attendance records across the board.
She also showcased her star appeal at a recent LPGA pro-am tournament for the Golf Channel.
After an extended period of basketball since last fall, Clark has reportedly opted out of participating in Unrivaled, the newly established 3-on-3 basketball league created by Breanna Stewart and Napheesa Collier, which is set to begin in January.
Clark is not the sole WNBA player getting involved in women’s soccer; nevertheless, her involvement does not ensure Cincinnati will secure its team. WNBA icon Sue Bird holds a minority stake in NJ/NY Gotham FC, while Angel Reese of the Chicago Sky is an investor in DC Power, a new team preparing to enter the USL Super League.
Image Source: Caitlin Clark @ Instagram
