Denver secures NWSL’s 16th franchise with record $110 million expansion fee

In an exciting development for the world of professional women’s soccer, Denver, Colorado, has officially been awarded the National Women’s Soccer League’s (NWSL) 16th franchise. This milestone marks a major leap forward for both the league and the sport as a whole, with the team set to begin play in 2026.

The new franchise was secured for a record $110 million expansion fee, as confirmed by sources familiar with the deal, though they spoke on the condition of anonymity to discuss private terms. This impressive fee highlights the growing financial strength and popularity of women’s soccer. Just 16 months ago, the NWSL’s Boston team was sold for less than half of that amount—$53 million—showcasing a significant rise in the league's market value.

Leading the ownership group for the Denver franchise is Rob Cohen, Chairman of IMA Financial Group, alongside notable partners including Mellody Hobson, President of Ariel Investments, and Jason Wright, former President of the Washington Commanders. Other key investors include Jon-Erik Borgen, Kaia Borgen Moritz, Neelima Joshi, Dhiren Jhaveri, and Molly Coors. Cohen will serve as the controlling owner, with Hobson acting as the alternate governor.

The NWSL’s Commissioner, Jessica Berman, emphasized the significance of this expansion, stating, “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, and Denver is the perfect match.”

Although the team has not yet revealed its home stadium, Cohen indicated that it would be centrally located with easy access to mass transit. The ownership group plans to unveil both temporary and permanent venue locations in the coming weeks. The goal is to create a state-of-the-art facility tailored specifically for women’s soccer, ensuring the team has a world-class home from the outset.

Cohen’s experience in the Denver sports scene is extensive. He founded the Denver Sports Commission in 2001 and played a key role in bringing major events to the city. He is also a founding member of the U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Foundation. Cohen expressed his belief in the transformative power of this new franchise, stating, “We believe that bringing NWSL to Denver will be impactful and transformative. Our goal is to work closely with Denver’s diverse communities to build a club that will operate with integrity and excellence from day one.”

The bid to bring the NWSL to Denver beat out other cities, including Cleveland and Cincinnati, which featured WNBA superstar Caitlin Clark as part of its pitch. Colorado, known for its rich history in women’s soccer, has produced top talent, including national team stars Lindsey Horan, Mallory Swanson, and Sophia Smith, all of whom are from the state.

This expansion is another significant step for the NWSL, a league that continues to grow both in popularity and financial strength, as more cities embrace professional women’s sports. Fans in Denver and beyond are eagerly anticipating the team’s debut in 2026, with the promise of an exciting new chapter in the world of women’s soccer.