Denver sports fans have something new to celebrate as the city has been awarded a National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) franchise, set to debut in the 2026 season. This marks a significant milestone for women’s sports, with the expansion fee for the new team set at a record-breaking $110 million, more than double the previous highest fee for an NWSL club.
This makes it the largest expansion fee ever paid for a U.S. women’s sports team and the Denver franchise is backed by an impressive ownership group led by IMA Financial Group CEO Robert Cohen. The group also includes notable figures like former Obama administration official Ben Hubbard and former NWSL player Jordan Angeli. The team will initially play in a temporary venue while plans for a soccer-specific stadium are finalized.
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Denver has a strong history of producing top-notch women’s soccer talent, including current U.S. women’s national team players like Mallory Swanson, Lindsey Horan, and Sophia Smith. The addition of an NWSL team will undoubtedly inspire the next generation of soccer stars and provide a platform for showcasing their talents.
Joy and relief in the Mile-High City
As the league’s 16th team, the Denver franchise will join the ranks of established NWSL clubs and help to further elevate the profile of women’s soccer in the United States. The move is seen as a significant step forward for the league and a testament to the growing interest and investment in women’s sports.
For Denver sports fans, the new NWSL team will be the fifth major professional sports franchise in the city, joining the Colorado Rockies (MLB), Denver Broncos (NFL), Denver Nuggets (NBA), and Colorado Avalanche (NHL). The arrival of the NWSL team adds to the vibrant sports culture in Denver and offers fans another exciting team to support.
As the team gears up for its inaugural season in 2026, anticipation is building, and the city’s soccer community is abuzz with excitement. With a strong ownership group and a dedicated fanbase, Denver’s NWSL team is poised to make a significant impact both on and off the field.
