CLEVELAND — Could a professional women's soccer team be in Cleveland's future?
That's exactly what the Cleveland Soccer Group (CSG) and partner Rock Entertainment Group (REG) want to accomplish with their "Back the Bid" campaign.
The National Women's Soccer League (NWSL) stated earlier this year that they intend to expand from their current 15-team league and add a 16th team for the 2026 season.
“To secure the next expansion team, it’s critical that we show the league Cleveland is the best market with the best fans, and we’re excited about this campaign because Clevelanders always step up for our great city,” said Cleveland Soccer Group co-founder and CEO Michael Murphy. “Clevelanders rallied to get the Rock Hall here, and we know we can count on the same support, enthusiasm and grit that only Clevelanders have. Our goal is to unite soccer fans and fans of Cleveland to get behind us by ‘Backing the Bid.’”
In an effort to win the bid for the 16th team, CSG and REG want Clevelanders to help support the effort through its "Back the Bid" campaign. For $26, supporters will get a t-shirt (seen below), a digital kit badge for social media, the right to secure priority tickets when they go on sale and exclusive updates from the founders of the group.
“We’ve watched the growth of soccer in this country and believe that the time is right for professional soccer in Cleveland,” said Rock Entertainment Group CEO Nic Barlage. “We’re excited to partner with Cleveland Soccer Group to help make professional soccer a reality here.”
Asked for comment by 3News, the city of Cleveland threw its full support behind the bid with a statement from Mayor Justin Bibb:
"The demand for women’s sports has rapidly grown in recent years as we’re seeing viewership increase and more and more sponsorship deals being made – an investment that is long-overdue. Clevelanders' passion for our sports teams is undeniable and there is no better time than now to get take advantage of this great opportunity. I’m encouraging everyone to get on board, show your support, and make your voices heard to help us secure this bid and show the soccer community why we're the greatest fans in world!"
Last year, Cleveland Soccer Group helped to secure the city an MLS Next Pro expansion team. That franchise is scheduled to begin play in 2025.
Those interested in learning more on the "Back the Bid" campaign can go to Clevelandprosoccer.com.
The group also asked supporters to follow their social media accounts @clevelandprosoccer on Instagram, Facebook, TikTok and to follow the tags: #NWSLtoCLE #BacktheBidCLE and #LoyalCLE.