Columbus City Council President Shannon Hardin and Councilmember Nick Bankston have reached a tentative deal to provide $25 million for the construction of a potential NWSL team's training facility. The permanent 2% tax on all ticketed events at ScottsMiracle-Gro Field was proposed as a way to repay the city's contributions for the training facility at McCoy Park. Despite concerns about the tight 2026 operating budget, Hardin believes this deal protects taxpayer dollars and will eventually become a revenue stream for the city. Once fully paid off, the ticket tax will remain as a revenue source to help fund areas such as human services, housing, and youth programming. The deal has yet to be officially voted on by City Council.