Denver Moves Closer to Securing NWSL's 16th Expansion Team

The league enters exclusive negotiations with Denver's For Denver FC group, with a record-setting expansion fee expected.

The National Women's Soccer League (NWSL) is in exclusive talks with Denver's For Denver FC group to become the league's 16th franchise, though the deal is not yet finalized.
The expansion fee is projected to range between $105 million and $120 million, which would set a record for the highest fee in U.S. women's sports history.
Denver's bid outpaced competing groups from Cincinnati and Cleveland, with the league expected to inform the other cities of this development soon.
If finalized, the Denver team would begin play in 2026, sharing the season's debut with a Boston-based club already confirmed to join the league.
For Denver FC plans to build a soccer-specific stadium but will initially play in a temporary venue while the new facility is under construction.