​Denver, Colorado, is set to become the home of the National Women's Soccer League's (NWSL)

ASSOCIATED PRESS

​Denver, Colorado, is set to become the home of the National Women's Soccer League's (NWSL) 16th franchise, with the team scheduled to begin play in the 2026 season. This announcement marks a significant milestone for the city, which has not hosted a top-tier women's professional sports team since the Colorado Chill of the American Basketball League folded in 1998. ​ The successful bid was spearheaded by a group of investors led by Robert Cohen, CEO of IMA Financial Group. The group secured the franchise with a record $110 million expansion fee, more than doubling the previous NWSL record.  Other key figures in the ownership group include former NWSL player Jordan Angeli, sports executive Tom Dunmore, venture capitalist Nicole Glaros, Mellody Hobson, and Jason Wright. The team's establishment is the result of a grassroots movement known as For Denver FC, which was instrumental in bringing professional women's soccer to the Centennial State. The initiative was led by Jordan Angeli, Tom Dunmore, Nicole Glaros, and Ben Hubbard. Their efforts included engaging with Rob Cohen and other members of the ownership group in the fall of 2023, leading to Denver's successful bid. ​

Plans for the team include the construction of a 14,500-seat soccer-specific stadium at Santa Fe Yards in Denver's Baker neighborhood, with completion expected in 2028. In the interim, the team will play in a temporary venue, with several sites under consideration. Notably, Dick's Sporting Goods Park, home of the Colorado Rapids, has been ruled out as a serious option. ​ The introduction of the NWSL team in Denver is expected to bolster the city's growing enthusiasm for women's sports. This development coincides with the recent launch of the Denver Onyx, a women's professional rugby team, highlighting a broader trend of increased support and visibility for women's athletics in the region.

As Denver prepares to welcome its first professional women's soccer team, the city anticipates a positive impact on local communities, youth engagement, and the promotion of women's sports at all levels. The team's arrival underscores Denver's commitment to fostering a vibrant and inclusive sports culture for all.