February 18 – The newly-announced US National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) team in Denver could get its own dedicated stadium, if majority owner Robert Cohen is good to his word.
Denver beat off bids from Cleveland and Cincinnati to become the NWSL’s 16th team last month, paying a record $110 million for the franchise – the largest ever for a new women’s sports franchise in the US.
The Denver team will debut in the 2026 season alongside a new Boston franchise that paid $53 million in 2023 for their league place. Bay FC, who debuted in the 2024 season, also paid $53 million for their franchise slot.
The NWSL entered exclusive negotiations with IMA Financial Group and its CEO Robert Cohen back at the end of December, with Cohen expected to provide the bulk of the financing for the Denver team and serve as controlling owner.
Speaking on expected developments for his new acquisition, Cohen said: “I believe it’s time for women’s sports in Denver. Denver is an incredible sports town.
“I’ve been involved in the fabric of sports in Denver for a long time. But as you probably know, we’re the largest city in the United States without a women’s professional team.
“So, it’s time for us to correct that.”
The NWSL currently consists of 14 teams, with Boston joining Denver for the 2026 season.
At present, only one other team — the Kansas City Current — boast a dedicated stadium. The 11,500-capacity CPKC Stadium, a rare soccer-specific venue, opened in Kansas City for the Current’s first home match on March 16, 2024.
The new Denver-based team’s ownership group said it plans to build a soccer-specific stadium for the team, but before its completion will play in a temporary venue.
Cohen added: “We’d like to build a franchise where every player wants to play here, every coach wants to coach here, every executive wants to work here.
“And the way that we’re going to do that is by building first-class facilities, in terms of a dedicated stadium. We’re willing to make the investments to do that.”
NWSL commissioner Jessica Berman added, “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.
“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.”
Contact the writer of this story, Harry Ewing, at moc.l1740081807labto1740081807ofdlr1740081807owedi1740081807sni@g1740081807niwe.1740081807yrrah1740081807