WNBA star Caitlin Clark takes her game off the court and into the soccer field – well, sort of.
Move over, Patrick Mahomes and Brittany, there’s a new MVP stepping into the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) ownership game, and she’s dribbling into uncharted territory. Caitlin Clark, fresh off a jaw-dropping rookie season with the Indiana Fever, has decided to swap basketballs for soccer balls, becoming part of the ownership group bidding to bring an NWSL expansion team to Cincinnati.
The Iowa legend and reigning queen of “Did-you-see-that” moments has her sights set on more than just hoop dreams. If Cincinnati’s bid wins (spoiler alert: they’re in a pretty good spot), this team could hit the field in 2026, giving fans ample time to choose between rooting for Clark or the Mahomes dynasty in Kansas City.
A Slam Dunk for Cincinnati (Yes, We Know It’s Soccer)
Clark isn’t just joining any group – she’s throwing her considerable weight behind a bid that has Cincinnati practically penciled in as a frontrunner. With backing from FC Cincinnati’s ownership and a shiny soccer-specific stadium already in place, this city has all the makings of a soccer hotspot. Compare that to rival cities like Cleveland and Denver, still struggling to lock down venues. Advantage: Clark & Co.
In a statement that oozed confidence, the NWSL Cincinnati bid team welcomed Clark like a star signing:
“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 make her a vital part of our compelling bid,” read the glowing press release.
Translation? “We’ve got Caitlin Clark, y’all. Good luck topping that!”
The Rivalry You Didn’t Know You Needed
Now, here’s where it gets spicy. Clark’s entry into the NWSL world isn’t just about soccer; it’s about stirring up some good old-fashioned rivalry. Enter Patrick Mahomes and Brittany, the Kansas City Current’s co-owners and Clark’s soon-to-be frenemies on the pitch.
The Mahomes duo has been waving the women’s sports flag for Kansas City, and Clark’s move to help launch a team in Cincinnati feels like the plot of a Netflix sports drama we’d totally binge-watch. Picture this: Clark and Brittany on opposing sidelines, a fierce debate over who’s the true queen of women’s sports. The memes practically write themselves.
High Stakes, Higher Ambitions
Let’s talk numbers because, spoiler alert, soccer expansion isn’t cheap. The fee for this coveted 16th NWSL slot? A cool $100 million, nearly double what Boston and Bay FC paid for their 2023 debuts. For context, that’s enough money to buy a small island – or fund an entire WNBA team’s salary cap several times over.
But Clark’s inclusion isn’t just about the dollars; it’s about the star power. Her move from court superstar to soccer savior sends a clear message: women’s sports are here to dominate.
A Legacy in the Making
Caitlin Clark’s decision to invest in women’s soccer is about more than adding another bullet point to her already stacked résumé. It’s about setting a precedent. She’s not just building a team; she’s building a legacy.
As the NWSL inches closer to its decision, one thing is clear: Clark’s involvement ensures that Cincinnati isn’t just bidding for a soccer team; it’s bidding for the future of women’s sports. And if the Mahomes family thought they’d cornered the market on women’s sports coolness, they might want to brace themselves.
Because when Caitlin Clark steps into the arena, no matter the sport, it’s game on.
