How a grassroots group built a record-breaking NWSL franchise
In short: From local watch parties to a $110 million expansion fee, Denver Summit FC's rise is unprecedented. The club has already shattered attendance records and secured legendary ownership, all while navigating a complex, multi-stadium journey to establish a permanent home for professional women's sports in Colorado.
The journey of Denver Summit FC began in 2022 as a grassroots organization known as For Denver FC. During the 2023 FIFA Women's World Cup, this collective prioritised community engagement and arranged watch parties for the United States women's national team. By November 2024, the group emerged as one of three finalists to join the National Women's Soccer League (NWSL) as its 16th franchise.
The ownership group, which includes figures such as Jordan Angeli, Tom Dunmore, Ben Hubbard, Robert L. A record-breaking $110 million expansion fee was reportedly paid by Nicole Glaros, Mellody Hobson, Jason Wright, and Cohen. Notable figures such as former Denver Broncos quarterback Peyton Manning and alpine skier Mikaela Shiffrin have since joined the ownership roster.
The club's first season in 2026 features a distinct 'three-stadium journey'. The club intends to utilize interim locations while managing the transition to a permanent 14,500-seat soccer-specific venue at Santa Fe Yards; though initially slated for a 2028 finish, this project might not conclude until 2029. This involves a 12,000-seat temporary venue in Centennial, which will be converted into a 4,000-seat facility for school sports after two seasons.
The club's debut signifies professional women's sports returning to Colorado for the first time since the American Basketball League's Colorado Xplosion folded in 1998. On March 28, 2026, the team set a league attendance record with 63,004 spectators at Empower Field at Mile High during their home opener against the Washington Spirit.
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- Summary by Intellect · source: Denver Summit FC
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