Denver awarded National Women's Soccer League's 16th franchise for 2026

Denver has been awarded the 16th franchise in the National Women's Soccer League (NWSL), set to begin play in 2026, marking the city's first top-tier women's professional team. The ownership group, led by IMA Financial Group CEO Robert Cohen, includes investors like Project Level and FirstTracks Sports Ventures LLC, and plans to build a dedicated stadium and training facilities. The expansion fee reportedly set a record at $110 million, underscoring the substantial investment in women's sports. This move comes as Denver is recognized for its passionate sports culture, filling a significant gap as the largest U.S. city previously without a professional women's team. Plans for the team's identity, including its name and colors, will involve fan collaboration. NWSL Commissioner Jessica Berman emphasized the strategic importance of Denver's sports culture and fan base for the league's growth.