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Denver officially announced as NWSL's 16th team, set to begin play in 2026

Denver will officially become the NWLS's 16th team, the league announced Thursday, with <a href="https://www.goal.com/en-us/indivisa/news/denver-group-reportedly-secures-newest-nwsl-expansion-side-with-a-record-expansion-fee-of-usd110m/blt5506bd95d869a060" target="_self">the franchise</a> set to begin play in 2026. Denver becomes the latest franchise to be awarded an expansion spot, with Boston earning the 15th spot.The Denver investment group has secured the franchise for a record expansion fee of $110 million.

WHAT HAPPENED?

The new Denver franchise is in the process of finalizing plans for a purpose-built stadium for professional women's soccer. Also included in the plan is a purpose-built performance facility. Denver has a robust ownership group, led by Rob Cohen, the chairman and CEO of IMA Financial Group.Cohen told the NWSL: “Denver is one of the best sports cities in the United States and we are thrilled to bring professional women’s soccer to Colorado. 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. We look forward to collaborating with our community to make Denver NWSL an inclusive and special club that all of Colorado can rally behind.”IMA Financial Group, Inc. is a top-25 insurance brokerage that specializes in risk management, insurance, wholesale brokerage and wealth management, based in Denver. The NWSL chose Denver as the next expansion side in part due to the efforts of Denver FC, a grassroots movement that's been dedicated to bringing professional women's soccer to Mile High City.

THE BIGGER PICTURE

“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," NWSL Commissioner Jessica Berman said in a statement. "The club’s plans for a purpose-built stadium and state-of-the-art training facility demonstrate a commitment to providing world-class environments for our players and fans alike. 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, inspiring the next generation of players and supporters across the Rocky Mountain region.”

WHAT JESSICA BERMAN SAID

The NWSL seasons kicks off in March, and Boston and Denver will join the mix in 2026.

WHAT'S NEXT?

Denver officially announced as NWSL's 16th team, set to begin play in 2026 | Goal.com

The new Denver franchise is in the process of finalizing plans for a purpose-built stadium for professional women&apos;s soccer. 

Denver officially announced as NWSL&apos;s 16th team, set to begin play in 2026