Columbus Crew fans are experiencing a mix of excitement and concern as the city prepares to welcome a new National Women's Soccer League (NWSL) team in 2028. The Crew's passionate supporters, who rallied to keep their team in Columbus during a potential relocation in 2017, are now embracing this new chapter in local soccer. Emily Kegg, community director of the Nordecke supporters' group, expressed her commitment to supporting the women's team just as they have for the Crew. However, the announcement of the new team has sparked discussions about the implications of billionaire ownership and the rising costs associated with professional sports. The ownership group, which includes Columbus Crew owners Jimmy and Dee Haslam, paid a record $205 million expansion fee for the NWSL franchise. This has led to mixed feelings among fans, who are excited about the growth of soccer in Columbus but wary of the financial dynamics at play. As the city gears up for this new addition, community members are actively organizing to ensure that the spirit of grassroots support continues alongside the professionalization of the sport. The Crew's legacy of community involvement is set to influence the new NWSL team, as supporters aim to create a vibrant atmosphere for women's soccer in Columbus.