Cleveland Welcomes Women’s Soccer Team: A New Chapter in Local Sports!

Cleveland is set to welcome its first professional women’s soccer team by 2027, thanks to a big move by the Cleveland Soccer Group. After losing out to Denver for a spot in the National Women’s Soccer League, the group has pivoted to create a Division II team in the newly formed WPSL Pro.

Michael Murphy, CEO of the Cleveland Soccer Group, expressed the disappointment of missing out on the NWSL but is optimistic about the new direction. “We gathered 16,000 pledges for season tickets and realized we could still bring professional soccer to Cleveland,” he shared.

Cleveland is among the founding markets for WPSL Pro, joining cities like Atlanta and Dallas. The group is also investing directly in the league, which plans to launch next year. Their key goal now is to build a new 10,000-seat stadium downtown, alongside a men’s MLS Next Pro team they obtained in 2022. Plans indicate construction could start this summer, targeting an opening in 2026.

Murphy believes that financing for the project will come from a mix of public and private sources. “This isn’t about new taxes. We’re asking for tax revenue generated by the stadium to help fund it,” he explained, estimating the project will require around $50 million. They have already purchased a plot near the Gateway District for approximately $4.25 million.

While the new stadium is smaller than the initial proposal for the NWSL team, it is designed to be expandable and could host various events from soccer matches to concerts. “We’re the last major city in the U.S. without a soccer stadium; it’s time for Cleveland to have one,” Murphy added.

Last year, the phone buzzed with excitement when Cleveland was in the running for the NWSL team. Experts have noted that the city is ripe for soccer growth, especially given recent trends showing a surge in female athletes participating in the sport. A 2022 survey indicated that girls’ participation in youth soccer increased by 74% compared to the previous decade.

To galvanize support, the Cleveland Soccer Group plans to engage with local fans about what they want from the team. Prodan Kelly, the group’s chief marketing officer, envisions building a community around the team. “We want to tailor the experience for fans, making it memorable for kids, families, and the whole community,” she said. Initiatives may include youth camps and opportunities for local teams to play at the new stadium.

As Cleveland prepares for this exciting chapter in sports, it’s clear that the future of soccer in the city is on the rise. With strong backing from the community and strategic planning, the dream of a vibrant soccer culture in Cleveland is becoming a reality.

Cleveland Soccer Group’s ambitious plans are just beginning, and fans can already get involved by reserving season tickets for the upcoming matches. For more details on Cleveland’s soccer expansion and community events, check the Cleveland Soccer Group.

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