Denver Lands NWSL Team at Record $110 Million Fee

Professional Women’s Soccer Coming to Denver in 2026

Expansion Fee Sets New Record

The National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) has awarded Denver, Colorado, its 16th franchise, with an expansion fee of $110 million, a record high. The team ownership group, led by IMA Financial Group chairman Rob Cohen, Ariel Investments Mellody Hobson, and former Washington Commanders president Jason Wright, will bring professional women’s soccer to the Mile High City in 2026.

Team Ownership and Leadership

The ownership group includes Jon-Erik Borgen and Kaia Borgen Moritz, Neelima Joshi and Dhiren Jhaveri, and Molly Coors. Rob Cohen will serve as the controlling owner and governor, with Mellody Hobson as the alternate governor.

Venue and Stadium Plans

The team has not yet announced its home game venue, but Cohen mentioned that it will be a central location with access to mass transit. The ownership group hopes to announce the locations of temporary and permanent venues in the next few weeks. Cohen expressed his desire to build a state-of-the-art facility designed specifically for women’s play.

Denver’s Sports Scene and Community

Cohen, who founded the Denver Sports Commission in 2001, is no stranger to the Denver sports scene. He believes that bringing NWSL to Denver will have a significant impact and be transformative. The team aims to work closely with Denver’s diverse communities to build a club that operates with integrity and excellence from day one.

Competition and History

Denver beat out Cleveland and Cincinnati, which had WNBA rookie superstar Caitlin Clark as part of its bid. Colorado has a rich history with women’s soccer, with three players, Lindsey Horan, Mallory Swanson, and Sophia Smith, all hailing from the state.

Conclusion

The addition of a professional women’s soccer team to Denver’s sports scene is a significant development, demonstrating the growing popularity and health of the sport. With a record-breaking expansion fee and a strong ownership group, the team is poised to make a lasting impact on the city and the league.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: When will the team start playing?
A: The team will begin playing in 2026.

Q: Who is leading the ownership group?
A: The ownership group is led by Rob Cohen, Ariel Investments Mellody Hobson, and former Washington Commanders president Jason Wright.

Q: Where will the team play its home games?
A: The team has not yet announced its home game venue, but hopes to announce the locations of temporary and permanent venues in the next few weeks.

Q: What is the expansion fee?
A: The expansion fee is $110 million, a record high.