Denver Secures Record-Breaking NWSL Expansion Franchise

The city will host its first top-tier women's professional sports team starting in 2026, with plans for a purpose-built stadium and training facility.

The National Women's Soccer League (NWSL) has officially awarded Denver its 16th franchise, set to begin play in the 2026 season.
The Denver ownership group, led by IMA Financial CEO Rob Cohen, paid a record $110 million expansion fee, the highest in U.S. women's sports history.
Plans include a purpose-built soccer stadium and a state-of-the-art training facility designed specifically for women's soccer, with further details to be announced soon.
Denver beat out competing bids from Cleveland and Cincinnati, marking the city's first professional women's team in a major national league.
The NWSL continues its rapid expansion, with Denver joining Boston as the league's newest teams, bringing the total number of clubs to 16 by 2026.