NWSL to add Denver as expansion club
Denver has been awarded an expansion franchise in the National Women's Soccer League (NWSL), becoming the 16th club in the competition, the league announced on Thursday.
The Colorado ownership group will build a purpose built stadium for the team which has yet to be given a name but which is due to begin play in 2026.
Denver beat out rival bids from Cleveland and Cincinnati to secure the franchise.
Media reports had said that the ownership group had paid a $110 million expansion fee to join NSWL which is the highest amount paid in the history of American women's sport.
"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," said Jessica Berman, commissioner of the NWSL.
"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," she added.
The ownership group includes Rob Cohen, Project Level, a subsidiary of Ariel Investments led by Chairwoman Mellody Hobson and former Washington Commanders President Jason Wright along with FirstTracks Sports Ventures LLC.
Cohen, as well as being prominent in Denver's sports scene, is a founding member of the United States Olympic & Paralympic Foundation (USOPF) and most recently was on the Salt Lake City bid committee, which was awarded the 2034 Winter Olympic Games.
"Denver is one of the best sports cities in the United States and we are thrilled to bring professional women's soccer to Colorado," said Cohen.
"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," he added.
Boston, the league's 15th club, will also begin play in the NSWL in 2026.