Fortuna Bank joins growing list of Partners

Columbus, OhioApril 23, 2025 — Columbus Eagles FC is proud to announce a new partnership with Fortuna Bank, a Columbus-based, women-owned community bank, as the Official Bank of Columbus Eagles FC.

This partnership brings together two organizations committed to strengthening the Central Ohio community while advancing opportunities for women—both on and off the field.

“Columbus Eagles FC is focused on delivering a high-level, engaging soccer experience for our fans while continuing to grow the women’s game in our community,” said Mark L. Wise, President of Columbus Eagles FC. “Partnering with a women-owned organization like Fortuna Bank, which is deeply committed to community and relationship-building, aligns naturally with who we are and what we are building. We are excited to work together to create meaningful connections throughout Columbus.”

As the Official Bank of Columbus Eagles FC, Fortuna Bank will be integrated across club initiatives, including matchday presence, digital platforms, and community engagement efforts. The partnership will focus on building visibility, supporting local initiatives, and creating opportunities to connect with fans and families throughout the region.

“At Fortuna Bank, we are proud to support organizations that reflect our values and our commitment to the communities we serve,” said Ilaria Rawlins, Founder, President and CEO. “Columbus Eagles FC delivers an exciting and accessible soccer experience for the community, and we are thrilled to be part of that. We look forward to building relationships with fans, families, and local businesses through this partnership.”

Fortuna Bank is one of only approximately 15 women-owned banks in the United States out of more than 4,300 nationwide. Built on the belief that banking should be both deeply personal and a catalyst for meaningful growth, the Columbus-based institution is focused on expanding access to capital—particularly for small businesses and women entrepreneurs—while delivering a high-touch, relationship-driven experience.

More than a financial institution, Fortuna Bank is committed to fostering a connected community through mentorship, education, and strategic partnerships, helping individuals and businesses bring their stories to life.

The collaboration between Columbus Eagles FC and Fortuna Bank will highlight shared priorities including community involvement, support for women in sports, and expanding access to opportunity across Central Ohio.

Fans can support the continued growth of women’s soccer in Columbus by attending Columbus Eagles FC matches this season and engaging with both organizations throughout the community.


About Columbus Eagles FC
Columbus Eagles FC is a women’s soccer club delivering high-level competition and an engaging matchday experience for fans while supporting the continued growth of the women’s game in Columbus. They compete in the Women’s Premier Soccer League (WPSL) and the Major Arena Soccer League – Women (MASLW).


For Women. For Soccer. For Columbus.


About Fortuna Bank
Fortuna Bank is a women-owned community bank based in Columbus, Ohio, focused on expanding access to capital and delivering a relationship-driven banking experience. Committed to supporting small businesses and women entrepreneurs, Fortuna Bank fosters community through mentorship, education, and strategic partnerships that help individuals and businesses grow and succeed.


Media Contact:
Mark L. Wise
President, Columbus Eagles FC
mark@columbuseaglesfc.com
614-868-5033

Columbus Eagles FC Statement on Columbus NWSL Partnership

Audrey Oliver takes shot during Columbus Eagles FC game

Columbus Eagles FC shares its support for bringing professional women’s soccer to Columbus—and what it means for the future of the game.

Columbus, Ohio — Columbus Eagles FC proudly expresses its strong support for the National Women’s Soccer League expansion bid led by the Columbus NWSL Partnership to bring professional women’s soccer to Columbus.

Since our founding, Columbus Eagles FC has been guided by a clear mission: to provide the highest level of women’s soccer in Columbus while laying the foundation for a future professional team. The recent momentum behind this NWSL partnership represents a significant and encouraging step toward realizing that vision.

The efforts of the Columbus NWSL Partnership—including Haslam Sports Group, Nationwide, and Dr. Chris and Dr. Pete Edwards—have already contributed to increased visibility and awareness of women’s soccer throughout Central Ohio. This growing energy around the women’s game is something we wholeheartedly welcome and have worked to cultivate within our community since day one.

“Our purpose has always been bigger than any single organization,” said Mark Wise, President of Columbus Eagles FC. “It has been about creating a pathway and a platform for exceptional female players, and building something meaningful for our community. If this bid is successful, it represents a major milestone in achieving that vision for Columbus.”

While the introduction of an NWSL club would mark a new chapter for the city, it also presents an opportunity for collaboration and continued growth

Be part of the momentum.
The future of women’s soccer in Columbus is being built now.

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across all levels of the game. Columbus Eagles FC remains committed to exploring ways to work alongside a future NWSL organization to strengthen the player pathway, expand opportunities, and deepen engagement with fans across the region.

At the same time, the pathway to professional women’s soccer in Columbus is being evaluated now. The strength of this bid will ultimately be measured by the demonstrated support for the women’s game in our market.

As that process unfolds, Columbus Eagles FC encourages fans to take an active role by showing up, engaging, and supporting women’s soccer locally. Attending Eagles matches is more than game day—it is a statement about the viability and future of the sport in our city.

The question being asked is simple: Will Columbus support women’s soccer?

Together, we have the opportunity to answer that question.

Columbus has already shown promising signs. From the players on the field to the fans in the stands, the foundation is being built—and continues to grow stronger.

Columbus Eagles FC will remain focused on its mission while supporting initiatives that elevate the women’s game in our city.

For Women. For Soccer. For Columbus.

Strong support at Eagles matches sends a message that Columbus is ready for the next level. The league is watching.

About Columbus Eagles FC

Columbus Eagles FC is a women’s soccer club based in Columbus, Ohio, competing in the Women’s Premier Soccer League and Major Arena Soccer League Women. Founded with the mission to provide the highest level of women’s soccer in Columbus, the club serves as a platform for exceptional female players to compete at a high level while helping build the foundation for a future professional team.

Through its commitment to player development, community engagement, and growing the women’s game, Columbus Eagles FC continues to be a leader in advancing opportunities for female athletes in Central Ohio.

For more information about Columbus Eagles FC, including game schedules, tickets, and club news, please visit the club’s official website or follow the team on social media.

Media Contact:
Columbus Eagles FC
Email: mark@columbuseaglesfc.com
Website: https://columbuseaglesfc.com

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