The National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) made headlines on January 30, 2025, as it officially announced the addition of Denver as its 16th team, set to commence play in the 2026 season. This landmark move establishes Denver as the first major professional women’s sports team city, eleving the status of women’s sports within the Mile High City.
Denver has long been recognized for its passionate sports culture, boasting dedicated fans across various sports. According to NWSL Commissioner Jessica Berman, "as the NWSL continues its rapid growth, we knew it wascritical to launch our 16th team in a city with a passionate sports culture and vibrant fan base — and Denver is the perfect match.”
The ownership group behind the new team boasts prominent figures, including Rob Cohen, the chairman and CEO of IMA Financial Group, who will serve as the team's controlling owner. Under Cohen's leadership, the group reportedly paid a record $110 million franchise fee, significantly higher than the fees paid by other recent expansion teams. Other investors include the likes of Mellody Hobson, former Washington Commanders president Jason Wright, and FirstTracks Sports Ventures LLC, which includes siblings Jon-Erik and Kaia Borgen, as well as Neelima Joshi, Dhiren Jhaveri, and Molly Coors.
Mayor Mike Johnston welcomed the announcement, expressing pride over Denver's new franchise, stating, "despite producing some of the world’s greatest players and being home to the best sports fans in the country, Denver has been deprived of its own professional women’s team. That changes today." The addition of Denver adds to the growing number of teams across the nation, as the league aims to continually expand its footprint.
Plans are already underway for the team to build a purpose-built stadium and performance facility exclusively for professional women's soccer. Cohen mentioned, "The club's plans for a purpose-built stadium and state-of-the-art training facility demonstrate a commitment to providing world-class environments for our players and fans alike.” This commitment demonstrates the importance of creating not only competitive spaces for athletes but engaging venues for fans.
Although the specifics surrounding the team’s branding, including its official name, crest, and colors, remain under wraps for the time being, fans and community members can expect announcements soon. The organization is actively incorporating community input, emphasizing the importance of local engagement from the start.
Recognizing the lack of professional women's teams within the United States and particularly within Denver, Cohen insists, "I believe it’s time for women’s sports in Denver... We’re the largest city without a women’s professional team, so it’s time for us to correctthat." The NWSL has taken the courage to challenge these narratives, ensuring women's sports receive the respect and attention they deserve.
The NWSL, which began its play with just eight teams back in 2013, has seen considerable growth over the years. Withteams already based in major cities such as New York, Seattle, and Chicago, the inclusion of Denver highlights the league’s success and continued expansion. Following the awarding of the NWSL’s 15th franchise to Boston, which will also begin play concurrently with Denver, it’s clear the league is gaining momentum. Key figures like Cohen, who has broad experience within the sports industry, are tasked with ensuring Denver’s NWSL team performs successfully and fully integrates within the community.
Eager to showcase the potential of women’s soccer, the Denver NWSL team aims to cultivate not just fans but also potential athletes. Discussions are underway for hosting various events to create buzz leading to the 2026 inaugural season. An event dubbed the "Supporter Fan Rally" is slated for later this week at Number Thirty Eight, offering the community its first chance to engage with the new team. With free entry, fans can learn more about the NWSL and voice their excitement for the upcoming franchise.
Moving forward, plans will continue to develop as training facilities are established and the team’s complete identity is unveiled. Cohen stated, "We want to be very thoughtful about [the name], get the community's input, really do a processthat, again, gets it right. You only have one chance to do it right and get it right." This thoughtful investment and commitment to detail resonates with local citizens, as they prepare to welcome this historic team.
The establishment of Denver's NWSL franchise is not only monumental for the city but signifies the league's dedication to advancing women's sports at all levels. Traditionally marginalized, women’s sports are increasingly recognized, and with growing support, there is optimism for the future of women's professional soccer.