When Cleveland, Denver, and Cincinnati were among the three finalists at the top of securing a bid for the 16th team National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL), the Cincinnati group surprised (and possibly also harmed) the hopes of the other two cities by adding Caitlin Clark to their group. However, to counter that, the Cleveland-based group wants to get support from its 362,656 residents.

In a recent update on the Cleveland pro soccer website, the group, hoping to get the expansion team that would play alongside Boston, another expansion franchise, from the 2026 season onwards, has put up a new box where residents can submit their name and email and pledge support to the new soccer franchise if they secure the bid.

“LET’S MAKE HISTORY, CLEVELAND. We’ve submitted our bid to bring Cleveland our first women’s professional soccer team — and the only one in Ohio. Learn about our NWSL bid and pledge your support to show the NWSL that Cleveland is ready to fill a stadium for our team.,” reads the request.

The Boston or Bay FC team that played this year reportedly spent $53 million to secure the bid. According to multiple sources, as per ESPN, the deal could hit around $100 million for any team that secures the bid. Also, when Cincinnati opened its existing TQL Stadium in 2021, Cleveland’s ownership group secured a 13.6-acre site for a $150 million stadium that could seat 12,500 fans and expand to 20,000. Thus, with fans supporting Clevland, Cincinnati looks to be facing an uphill battle, and the only move that can save them is CC.

Caitlin Clark becomes a part of the NWSL group

In a statement released on Thursday, the WNBA’s reigning ROTY joined the Cincinnati group. “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,” read the statement. After CC recently took part in golf, bringing more eyes to the sport, it was obvious that women’s sports projects would have been offered to her. During the Women’s Leadership Summit, she spoke about the lessons she learned that would have encouraged young girls to take up sports.

“Her accomplishments and contributions to women’s sports is incredible, historic… It’s changed the game for everyone and she’s amazing. Having her interest in the NWSL is an honor,” Commissioner Jessica Berman reflected on CC’s participation. The former NCAA Queen brought huge viewership to the W this year. She was a part of the 19 out of 22 games that crossed 1 million in viewership. Plus, due to her, the projected revenue of the Indiana Fever grew by 889%.

While the result of who secures the latest NWSL bid will be clear in a few days, CC might turn things in her favor. Or maybe, who knows, Cleveland residents might prove heavy on CC and usurp Cincinnati’s plans.