The NWSL officially sealed the deal with Denver early Thursday, granting the league's 16th expansion team to the Mile High City for a planned 2026 debut.
To welcome the city's first-ever major league women's team, NWSL Denver is finalizing plans for a new purpose-built stadium and dedicated performance facility designed specifically for women athletes.
Controlled by Denver Sports Commission founder Rob Cohen, the ownership group behind Denver's $110 million expansion fee — the largest in US women's sports history — includes prominent Vail snow sports advocates the Borgen family as well as David and Molly Coors of brewing giant Molson Coors.
"As the NWSL continues its rapid growth, we knew it was critical to launch our 16th team in a city with a passionate sports culture and vibrant fan base," said NWSL commissioner Jessica Berman in a league statement. "With this ownership group's vision and dedication, we are confident that Denver NWSL will set new standards for excellence on and off the pitch."
NWSL stars double down
Existing NWSL teams also flexed their investment prowess this week, with multiple top athletes signing contract extensions across the league on Wednesday.
KC Current striker Temwa Chawinga, who record-breaking 2024 debut spanned 20 goals, the 2024 Golden Boot, and the NWSL MVP award, inked a deal that will keep her in Kansas City for the next three years.
"This year, we hope to bring the trophy home for the fans, for KC," Chawinga said in the club's statement. "My KC community has been incredible. All the support, it feels like home here."
On the West Coast, Angel City sister duo of 20-year-old forward Alyssa and 19-year-old defender Gisele Thompson also put pen to paper, with the young LA-born stars committing to ACFC through 2028.
With European clubs drawing top players away from the US, there's never been a more important time for the NWSL to put its money where its mouth is when it comes to player development and on-field success.