Already an avid fan of NFL football and a skilled enough golfer to compete in LPGA pro-am tournaments, reigning WNBA Rookie of the Year Caitlin Clark is reportedly interested in dipping her sneakers into another sport that isn’t basketball.
According to ESPN, the Indiana Fever All-Star point guard is part of an ownership group trying to bring a National Women’s Soccer League expansion team to Cincinnati.
“The NWSL Cincinnati bid team is thrilled that Caitlin Clark has joined our ownership group in pursuit of bringing a women’s professional soccer team to our city,” a rep from the ownership group, which also represents MLS team FC Cincinnati, told The Worldwide Leader.
“Her passion for the sport, commitment to elevating women’s sports in and around the Greater Cincinnati region, and influence as an athlete and role model for women and girls around the world, make her a vital part of our compelling bid to become the 16th team in the NWSL.”
In addition to the Cincinnati group, NWSL bidders are also attempting to attract an expansion team to cities including Cleveland, Denver, Nashville, and Philadelphia. The new club would hit the pitch in 2026 and, along with a previously announced expansion team that was awarded to Boston, grow the NWSL to 16 teams.
Speaking to the media ahead of the NWSL’s championship match, league commissioner Jessica Berman confirmed Cincinnati was a finalist in the bidding process for her league’s 16th team. She also confirmed Clark was involved.
“Her accomplishments and contributions to women’s sports is incredible, historic. It’s changed the game for everyone, and she’s amazing,” Berman said of the 22-year-old hooper. “Having her interest in the NWSL is an honor. We couldn’t be more excited about her having shared her own personal story about having been a young soccer player and loving the game.”
“Her messaging around being a multi-sport athlete is so important for young kids who aspire to be just like her, and the future is bright for how we could potentially work with her or others who are influencers and interested in engaging and growing our league.”
The NWSL’s championship match will take place tomorrow when the Orlando Pride takes on the Washington Spirit. If Clark wants to cement her team’s bid and bring an NWSL team to Cincy, it might be a good idea for her to be in attendance.
