The National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) has officially awarded Denver, Colorado, its 16th franchise, marking a historic first for professional women's sports in the Mile High City. The new team is set to debut in the 2026 season, bringing a fresh chapter to Colorado’s sports landscape. This expansion brings the total number of NWSL teams to 16, following the addition of Team 15 in Boston. Denver joins a league that includes prominent clubs like Angel City FC, Portland Thorns FC, and Washington Spirit.
As the NWSL continues to grow, Denver is poised to become a vital part of shaping the future of women’s soccer. The club has ambitious plans for a purpose-built stadium and a cutting-edge training facility for female athletes, setting new standards for excellence both on and off the pitch. While the official team name, crest, and colors are still under wraps, fans can already place deposits for season tickets at DenverNWSL.com. The club’s growing social media presence will provide updates and build anticipation ahead of its debut.
Denver's passionate sports culture and dedicated fan base made it an ideal choice for the league’s expansion. Commissioner Jessica Berman emphasized Denver’s alignment with NWSL’s growth strategy, citing the ownership’s commitment to elevating women’s soccer. Moreover, the Denver NWSL team is supported by a dynamic and diverse ownership group led by Rob Cohen as controlling owner and Governor, alongside Mellody Hobson of Ariel Investments, Jason Wright, Jon-Erik Borgen, Kaia Borgen Moritz, Neelima Joshi, Dhiren Jhaveri, and Molly Coors. Together the group brings a strong commitment to fostering growth and innovation in women’s sports.
A key player in Denver’s selection was For Denver FC, a grassroots movement led by Jordan Angeli, Tom Dunmore, Nicole Glaros, and Ben Hubbard. The initiative played a crucial role in mobilizing community support and engaging investors during the early phases of securing the franchise. For Denver FC will continue collaborating with Denver NWSL to build a loyal fan base and engage the community. Denver NWSL is also committed to broader community engagement. Project Level, an asset management firm affiliated with Ariel Investments, underscores the mission to close the gender gap in sports by fostering sustainable businesses that elevate women’s athletic opportunities.
Denver’s entry into the NWSL marks a transformative moment for the city and women’s sports. With its dedicated ownership group, ambitious infrastructure plans, and strong community support, the team aims to inspire players and fans across the Rocky Mountain region and beyond. Fans eager to be part of this journey can secure season ticket deposits at DenverNWSL.com. Follow Denver NWSL on Facebook @Denver-NWSL, Instagram @DenverNWSL, X/Twitter @Denver_NWSL, and TikTok @NWSLDenver to stay connected as they prepare for their inaugural season in 2026.