The National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) has taken another significant step forward by awarding its 16th franchise to the vibrant city of Denver, Colorado. This announcement, made on Thursday, marks not only the eastward expansion of the league but also the introduction of the first women's professional sports team to call Denver home. Excitement is palpable within the local community as they prepare for the launch of this new era of women’s soccer, set to kick off with the 2026 season.
The NWSL's decision to establish the Denver team signals its commitment to fostering professional women's sports amid growing interest and engagement at various levels. Jessica Berman, the NWSL Commissioner, stated, "We knew it was important to launch our 16th team in a city with a passionate sports culture and vibrant fan base, and Denver is the perfect match." This speaks volumes about the city's rich history and support for sports, especially soccer.
Leading the ownership group for the Denver franchise is Rob Cohen, also the CEO of IMA Financial Group, along with investors from Project Level, chairwoman Mellody Hobson, and several other prominent members from the local and national business community. Their collective vision is not only to build a competitive team but also to create lasting relationships with the Denver community.
Cohen expressed his enthusiasm, stating, "Denver is one of the best sports cities in the United States and we are thrilled to bring professional women’s soccer to Colorado." He highlighted the potential of the franchise to become not just a team, but also a transformational platform for both male and female athletes across the region.
Plans are already underway for the construction of purpose-built facilities, showcasing the commitment of the ownership group to provide state-of-the-art environments for both players and fans. The new stadium aims to become a central hub for women’s soccer, and it will feature comprehensive training amenities dedicated to nurturing female athletes. Specific details such as the stadium's location, name, and branding will be revealed as the establishment of the franchise progresses.
This groundbreaking announcement has garnered support from various city officials, including Denver Mayor Mike Johnston. Johnston remarked, "Despite producing some of the world’s greatest players... Denver has been deprived of its own professional women’s team. That changes today. We’re proud to announce professional women’s soccer is coming to Denver." His comments underline the excitement surrounding the significant milestone for the city and its legacy of supporting women’s sports.
The franchise will participate actively within local communities, aspiring to build connections and grow its fanbase. Cohen pledged, "Our goal is to work closely with Denver’s diverse communities to build a club...that operates with integrity and excellence from day one." This approach reflects the ownership group's intent to create not just any franchise, but one deeply rooted within the community.
Denver's selection as the NWSL's newest franchise was not without competition. The bid defeated proposals from Cincinnati and Cleveland, which attempted to secure the franchise with their respective ownership and investment groups. Cincinnati, home to notable celebrities like WNBA star Caitlin Clark, fell short amid the fierce competition, highlighting Denver’s commitment and readiness to embrace this league.
The $110 million expansion fee paid by Denver stands as the highest fee for any women’s sports franchise to date, signaling investor confidence and the growing viability of women's professional sports. Just over a year ago, the Boston and California teams entered the league at about half this amount ($53 million), illustrating the undeniable progress the NWSL is making.
All eyes are now turning toward the inaugural season, with hope and anticipation building within the Denver soccer community. The potential for the franchise to inspire local youths and women of all ages is immense. Mayor Johnston referenced the influence this team could have, stating, "We can’t wait to see tens of thousands of girls and their parents and their family filing in and out of our purpose-built women's soccer facility where they can come celebrate the best as they dream to be the best."
The NWSL is not just fostering the sport but fostering future generations of professionals—athletes, coaches, and leaders alike. Denver’s inclusion as the 16th franchise is more than just establishing another club; it symbolizes the growth of women’s sports across the nation and opens the door for additional success stories.
Moving forward, the Denver NWSL plans to engage with its supporters through community events and fan rallies, creating an inclusive atmosphere as the team begins its exciting new chapter. With the league's momentum growing, there is no doubt this franchise will play its part as women's soccer continues to rise.