CINCINNATI (WKRC) - One of the biggest names in women's pro sports is reportedly joining a bid to bring a women's pro soccer team to Cincinnati.

ESPN is reporting that Indiana Fever star Caitlin Clark is part of an ownership group aiming to bring a National Women's Soccer League (NWSL) expansion team to Cincinnati, according to a source who spoke with Adam Schefter. As Local 12 previously reported along with partner Cincinnati Business Courier, Cincinnati is among the finalists vying for an NWSL expansion team, which is expected to be awarded by the end of the year.

Its rivals are: Cleveland; Denver; Nashville, Tenn.; and Philadelphia, according to Courier sister publication Sports Business Journal. The expansion team would begin play in 2026, joining a new franchise in Boston. That would bring the NWSL to 16 teams.

Clark, who was selected first in the WNBA draft this year by the Fever after breaking the NCAA scoring record at the University of Iowa, won WNBA Rookie of the Year in 2024. She became the first rookie since Candace Parker in 2008 to make the All-WNBA First Team.

The ownership group of Major League Soccer team FC Cincinnati is leading the bid. Cincinnati is considered one of the favorites. An NWSL franchise would reportedly share TQL Stadium and the Mercy Health Training Center & Academy in Milford.

Per ESPN, multiple sources said the expansion fee for the 16th NWSL team could approach $100 million.