The National Women’s Soccer League is likely to grant a 16th franchise to a group based in Denver, as confirmed by two sources familiar with the situation who are not permitted to speak publicly.
The NWSL has opted to proceed with the Denver proposal over competing bids from Cincinnati and Cleveland, concluding a lengthy selection process. It is anticipated that the franchise fee for Denver will surpass $100 million, according to previous reports from The Equalizer. This new team is set to join a 15th franchise from Boston, with plans to commence play in 2026, although Boston currently faces challenges with its stadium project. The Boston franchise secured entry into the league for a fee of $53 million.
Rob Cohen, the chairman and CEO of IMA Financial Group, is identified as the lead investor and will be the principal owner of the Denver franchise, a source has confirmed to The Equalizer.
When approached for comment regarding expansion, an NWSL spokesperson refrained from providing details, noting that the process is still ongoing and requires finalization.
The Denver group is investigating the possibility of building a stadium that would make the NWSL team its primary tenant, a priority that has been emphasized by commissioner Jessica Berman. Earlier this year, the Kansas City Current inaugurated the first stadium constructed solely for an NWSL team.
“There’s probably nothing more important than our teams controlling their own destiny both from a stadium and training facility perspectives,” Berman remarked last month at the NWSL Championship held at CPKC Stadium in Kansas City.
It should be noted that any new stadium in Denver would not be completed by 2026, meaning the team would need to operate from a temporary venue in the region.
The Denver bidding group encompasses an organization named For Denver FC, led by insurance executive Ben Hubbard. This group includes various finance and business professionals, alongside former NWSL player and current TV analyst Jordan Angeli.
The NWSL did not respond when asked whether it might delay the entry of expansion teams beyond 2026. In response to inquiries from The Equalizer last week concerning Boston’s situation, a league spokesperson stated:
“The NWSL is excited to be in Boston, and we continue to work with all parties to make that happen.”
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