Director, Corporate Partnerships – Columbus NWSL 2028 & Columbus Crew

Director, Corporate Partnerships – Columbus NWSL 2028 & Columbus Crew

June 6, 2026 discoverhiddenusacom News

The Columbus Crew and the upcoming Columbus NWSL 2028 expansion team are currently seeking a Director of Corporate Partnerships to lead new business development. This senior role is designed to generate integrated marketing partnerships with local, regional, and national brands.

Strategic Growth and Asset Integration

The new Director will be responsible for leveraging a diverse portfolio of assets, including the Columbus Crew, the new NWSL team, Scotts Miracle-Gro Field, and the OhioHealth Performance Center. The role involves creating custom presentations and conducting consultative sales meetings to meet specific business goals for partners.

Strategic Growth and Asset Integration
Scotts Miracle

A key component of the position is the collaboration with Haslam Sports Group. This allows the Director to identify partnership opportunities within the Columbus market that may extend to the Cleveland Browns and the Milwaukee Bucks.

Did You Know? The Columbus Crew are the first club in Major League Soccer and are one of only three teams to win three or more MLS Cups, achieving this feat in 2008, 2020, and 2023.

Building the Foundation for 2028

The recruitment drive comes as the organization prepares for the debut of the 18th club in the National Women’s Soccer League. Announced in April 2026, the Columbus NWSL team is scheduled to officially begin play during the 2028 season.

Columbus awarded NWSL team, will begin play in 2028

The team will share Scotts Miracle-Gro Field for home matches and will utilize its own dedicated world-class performance center for training. This expansion is a joint effort led by Haslam Sports Group, Nationwide, and Dr. Chris and Dr. Pete Edwards.

Expert Insight: Samantha Carter notes that by recruiting a senior partnerships lead now, the organization is likely attempting to secure long-term financial stability and brand alignment well before the NWSL team’s first kick-off, utilizing the established prestige of the Columbus Crew to attract premium sponsors.

Future Outlook and Implications

As the organization moves toward the 2028 season, the integration of multiple professional sports properties under Haslam Sports Group could lead to more complex, multi-team sponsorship packages.

Future Outlook and Implications
Haslam Sports Group Columbus

The successful candidate may be expected to drive significant revenue growth by bridging the gap between the existing MLS fan base and the new NWSL audience. This strategic alignment could potentially increase the overall commercial footprint of professional soccer in Ohio.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the requirements for the Director of Corporate Partnerships role?
Applicants should have a four-year college degree in a relevant field and a minimum of 4-6 years of senior-level experience in professional sports marketing, sales, or activation.

Where will the Columbus NWSL 2028 team play their home matches?
The team will play home matches at Scotts Miracle-Gro Field when they debut in the 2028 season.

Who is the ownership group behind these teams?
The teams are operated by Haslam Sports Group and the Edwards Family, with the NWSL effort led by HSG in partnership with Nationwide and Dr. Chris and Dr. Pete Edwards.

How do you think the addition of a professional women’s soccer team will impact the sports landscape in Columbus?