Council approves $500,000 grant to support Columbus Fury women's volleyball team

Columbus City Council approved ordinance 26 23 to authorize a grant of up to $500,000 to the Greater Columbus Sports Commission to support the Columbus Fury, a Major League Volleyball team. Director Stevens presented the grant terms and economic rationale, saying the funds would cover operational expenses with a condition that the team keep home operations in Columbus through 2030 or refund the grant.

Supporters — including business owners and sports‑commission leaders — argued the investment will boost downtown activity, fill Nationwide Arena seats, and provide role models and participation pathways for young girls. Linda Logan, CEO of the Greater Columbus Sports Commission, connected the grant to the mayor’s ambition to position Columbus as a national center for women’s sports and cited rising corporate sponsorship and media coverage for women's leagues.

Some councilmembers expressed concern about timing and priority in the context of a tight city budget. Council President Harden, Councilmember Dorans and others questioned whether the neighborhood economic development fund was the right source at this moment; Director Stevens and the sponsor explained the fund is non-tax revenue derived from revenue-sharing agreements and fee income and noted approximately $5 million remained in the account.

Council held a recorded roll call after extended discussion and public testimony; the ordinance passed with a divided vote.

The grant includes accountability language: if the team relocates or discontinues operations before 2030 the funds must be repaid. Councilmembers asked staff to monitor the team's local ownership prospects and the efficacy of the agreement.