The National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) has officially announced that Denver will be home to its 16th franchise, with the team slated to begin play in the 2026 season. This marks a historic moment as it will be the first time a women’s professional sports team from a major national league is based in the Mile High City.
The Denver ownership group is led by Rob Cohen, CEO of IMA Financial Group, and includes notable investors such as Mellody Hobson, co-CEO of Ariel Investments, and former NFL executive Jason Wright. Cohen will serve as the club’s controlling owner and governor, with Hobson as the alternate governor.
NWSL Commissioner Jessica Berman highlighted Denver’s passionate sports culture and vibrant fan base as key factors in the league’s decision. She emphasized the club’s commitment to providing world-class environments for players and fans alike, noting plans for a purpose-built stadium and state-of-the-art training facility.
The team’s name, crest and colors will be revealed at a later date, with green expected to be the primary color, offering a fresh departure from the league’s traditional red and blue hues.
Rob Cohen expressed enthusiasm about the franchise’s potential impact, stating, “We believe that bringing NWSL to Denver will be impactful and transformative.”
This announcement comes on the heels of the NWSL’s recent expansions, including the addition of the Utah Royals and Bay FC last season, and a Boston-based club set to join the league in 2026. The Denver franchise’s expansion fee of $110 million is the largest ever in U.S. women’s sports, which underscores the growing investment and interest in women’s professional soccer.
Denver’s selection over other finalist cities, such as Cleveland and Cincinnati, was influenced by its comprehensive plan to build a dedicated stadium for the team, a factor that is deemed highly valuable by the league.
As the city prepares to welcome its first major league professional women’s sports team, excitement is building among local soccer fans eager to support the new franchise. The introduction of the NWSL team is anticipated to inspire and unite the community as a whole, further solidifying Denver’s reputation as a premier sports city.
