Denver Awarded NWSL’s 16th Franchise, Will Begin Play in 2026 Season | News, Scores, Highlights, Stats, and Rumors

Denver Awarded NWSL’s 16th Franchise, Will Begin Play in 2026 Season | News, Scores, Highlights, Stats, and Rumors

Exciting news for soccer fans in Denver! The National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) has officially granted Denver an expansion franchise, set to kick off during the 2026 season. This addition, along with the Boston expansion franchise, will bring the NWSL from 14 teams to 16.

The ownership group for the Denver team is led by controlling owner and governor Rob Cohen, alongside former Washington Commanders team president Jason Wright. NWSL Commissioner Jessica Berman expressed her enthusiasm for choosing Denver as the league’s 16th franchise, citing the city’s passionate sports culture and vibrant fan base as key factors.

Berman highlighted the club’s plans for a purpose-built stadium and state-of-the-art training facility, emphasizing their commitment to providing top-notch environments for both players and fans. With a vision for excellence on and off the pitch, Denver NWSL is poised to set new standards and inspire the next generation of players and supporters in the Rocky Mountain region.

Speaking on behalf of the ownership group, Cohen expressed his excitement for bringing professional women’s soccer to Denver, recognizing the city as a hub for sports enthusiasts. The goal is to collaborate with Denver’s diverse communities to establish an inclusive and special club that all of Colorado can rally behind.

Denver’s acquisition of an NWSL expansion team marks a significant milestone for the city, as it welcomes its first professional women’s sports franchise. Since its founding in 2012, the NWSL has seen steady growth, expanding from eight teams to 14 by 2024. With Denver and Boston joining the league in 2026, the NWSL will have doubled in size since its inception, promising an exciting future for women’s soccer in the United States.