What We Know About the Denver NWSL Expansion Side
The rise of the NWSL as a league isn’t stopping anytime soon. Denver has just been awarded the NWSL’s 16th franchise. This is the NWSL’s–and pro women’s soccer’s–first foray into Colorado. Fans will be waiting for more details about the brand and name, and hoping that they avoid everything that went wrong with the BOS Nation franchise.
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Denver is a Women’s Soccer City
Last month, Denver was awarded the NWSL’s 16th franchise. They will begin playing in the 2026 season. The deal was made at a record expansion fee that reached $110 million. This marks the highest expansion fee ever paid in the history of American women’s sports.
The number isn’t just jaw-dropping, but it is also evidence of the rise of women’s soccer and the high demand for it. Before Denver, Boston joined the NWSL, and their expansion fee was $53 million. The difference between the two numbers shows how quickly the league is developing.
Who Owns Denver NWSL?
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We already know who is behind the Denver team ownership group. It will be led by IMA Financial Group chairman Rob Cohen along with Project Level which is led by Mellody Hobson and former Washington Commanders president Jason Wright. Project Level is also a subsidiary of Ariel Investments.
Regarding the roles of every member in Denver NWSL, we know that Cohen would be the controlling owner and governor. On the other hand, Hobson would serve as the alternate governor.
What This Means For The NWSL?
Just in this expansion round, the NWSL added both Denver and Boston. This made the league go from 14 teams to 16. The additional teams will only add to the level of competition in an already competitive league. It would also provide more opportunities for players to find their way to professional soccer. With the new wave of players leaving the NWSL, like Naomi Girma, the league needs to become more attractive.
“As the NWSL continues its rapid growth, we knew it was critical to launch our 16th team in a city with a passionate sports culture and vibrant fan base, and Denver is the perfect match. 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. With this ownership group’s vision and dedication, we are confident that Denver NWSL will set new standards for excellence on and off the pitch, inspiring the next generation of players and supporters across the Rocky Mountain region,” said Jessica Berman, Commissioner of the NWSL, in the official press release.
What Does It Mean For Denver To Join The NWSL?
The Denver NWSL team will be first women’s professional sports team in a major national league to take place in Denver. Colorado is already familiar with women’s soccer, as players such as Lindsey Horan, Sophia Smith, and Mallory Swanson come from there. The team’s marketing video even features the three players. Hopefully, even more talented players will shine when Denver starts playing in the NWSL.
“Denver is one of the best sports cities in the United States and we are thrilled to bring professional women’s soccer to Colorado. We believe that bringing NWSL to Denver will be impactful and transformative. Our goal is to work closely with Denver’s diverse communities to build a club that will operate with integrity and excellence from day one. We look forward to collaborating with our community to make Denver NWSL an inclusive and special club that all of Colorado can rally behind,” Cohen said.
It Was Time For Denver to Join The NWSL
Several can agree that it was time for Denver to join the NWSL, and Denver Mayor Mike Johnston is one of them. “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,” Johnston said.
“That changes today. We’re proud to announce that professional women’s soccer is coming to Denver and that generations of Denverites will soon be able to cheer on the nation’s top talent in their own backyard. Having worked side-by-side with investors to make this happen, I know the group behind this bid is as committed to putting together a world-class experience as they are to winning, and I look forward to seeing you on opening weekend 2026. Game on,” he continued.
Where Will Denver Play?
The Denver NWSL team already plans to build a purpose-built professional women’s soccer stadium. They also plan to have a purpose-built performance facility for female athletes. Until the stadium is ready, they will play in a temporary venue.
In a press event, Cohen stated that they would choose a central location with access to mass transportation options for where they would play their home games. The dedication to providing good facilities to the team is needed more than ever.
What’s Next For The NWSL?
Now that Denver is joining the NWSL, more doors are open for future expansion possibilities. This time, Denver won over Cleveland and Cincinnati which shows the growing interest in the NWSL. Hopefully, even more progress will happen in the NWSL with the same commitment and more as that shown by Denver.
Featured image via @denvernwsl on Instagram
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