{"version":1,"type":"rich","provider_name":"Libsyn","provider_url":"https:\/\/www.libsyn.com","height":90,"width":600,"title":"What Women\u2019s Pro Soccer Means for Columbus","description":"Columbus is getting a National Women\u2019s Soccer League team\u2014and with it, a powerful new chapter in the region\u2019s sports story is beginning. Set to begin play in 2028, the franchise brings major-league momentum, prominent ownership, and growing excitement around the future of women\u2019s sports in Central Ohio. How did Columbus land the bid, and how can the region make the most of the opportunity? How are leaders navigating both the opportunities and tensions surrounding the project? As anticipation builds, we examine not just what it took to win a team\u2014but how Columbus can turn its win into lasting and equitable public value. Featuring: Andrew J. Ginther, Mayor, City of Columbus Linda Logan, CEO & President, The Greater Columbus Sports Commission Mary Shepro, President of Business Operations, Columbus Crew The host is Kristen McFarland, former professional soccer player and News Reporter, WBNS 10TV. This forum was sponsored by Downtown Columbus, Inc. and Osborn Engineering. The presenting sponsor of the CMC livestream was The Center for Human Kindness at the Columbus Foundation. CMC\u2019s livestream partner was The Columbus Dispatch. This forum was also supported by Downtown Columbus, Inc. and The National Veterans Memorial and Museum. If you would like to keep exploring this week\u2019s forum topic, our fantastic partners at The Columbus Metropolitan Library recommend reading The Fast Track by Jane McManus (2025). This forum was recorded before a live audience at The National Veterans Memorial and Museum in Columbus, Ohio on June 10, 2026. ","author_name":"The Columbus Metropolitan Club","author_url":"http:\/\/columbusmetroclub.org","html":"