Denver Secures NWSL Franchise

In a significant move for women's sports, Denver has officially landed the 16th franchise of the National Women's Soccer League (NWSL) with a staggering expansion fee of $110 million. This amount surpasses the former record for new teams in the NWSL and is also the highest ever paid in U.S. women’s sports history.

The Denver bid, spearheaded by IMA Financial Group CEO Robert Cohen, confirmed the payment to the league on Tuesday. While the exact details of the payment structure remain confidential, it has been hinted that the payments will be divided into multiple tranches, allowing for financial flexibility.

The expansion fee more than doubles the previous record for an NWSL team—an indication of the growing popularity and commercial viability of women's soccer. Cohen, who is expected to control the new team, leads a diverse ownership group. This includes notable figures such as Ben Hubbard, CEO of Parsyl; sports executive Tom Dunmore; Phos CEO Nicole Glaros; and former NWSL player Jordan Angeli, who currently serves as a league analyst.

In a bold vision for the future, the ownership group aims to establish a soccer-specific stadium for their franchise, although they will initially play in a temporary venue until their new home is completed.

Denver was in tight competition for the NWSL's latest franchise, edging out applicants from Cleveland and Cincinnati. The city has been recognized for its passionate sports culture, making it a strong candidate for the expansion.

In recent developments, the NWSL has expanded its footprint by adding the Utah Royals and Bay FC this past season. The trend of expansion is expected to continue, with a Boston-based club gearing up to join the league in 2026, which has also committed to a substantial expansion fee.

As the excitement builds, many analysts are left to ponder the implications of such a large financial commitment from an expansion group in women’s sports. Will this inspire further investment and growth in women's leagues across the country? One thing is for sure: women’s sports are on the rise, and Denver is set to play a pivotal role in this exciting new chapter.