Breaking New Ground: Mikaela Shiffrin’s Leap from Slopes to Soccer Ownership

Mikaela Shiffrin, the most decorated alpine skier of all time, stunned both the ski and soccer worlds when she announced on May 6, 2025, that she had joined the ownership group of Denver’s National Women’s Soccer League expansion team, set to debut in 2026. A Colorado native whose palmarès include two Olympic gold medals and 101 World Cup victories, Shiffrin now turns her sights toward nurturing the growth of professional women’s soccer in her home state. Her investment signals a deepening trend of cross-sport engagement among elite athletes and underlines the increasing financial and cultural momentum behind the NWSL’s rapid expansion .

Not only does Shiffrin bring star power, she brings local roots and an ethos of excellence. The Denver franchise, which paid a reported $110 million expansion fee, is backed by an ownership group led by IMA Financial Group CEO Rob Cohen alongside luminaries such as Lewis Hamilton and Condoleezza Rice in other Denver sports ventures. Shiffrin’s statement emphasized her passion for women’s sports and highlighted the club’s ambitious infrastructure plans—including a temporary 12,000-seat modular stadium in Centennial and a permanent 14,500-seat venue at Santa Fe Yards—to deliver state-of-the-art facilities tailored for women athletes .

From the World Cup Podium to the Pitch

Fans first caught a glimpse of Shiffrin’s soccer skills via Denver NWSL’s official Instagram channel, where a short video showcased her deftly dribbling a regulation soccer ball across an indoor turf surface. Clad in a Denver NWSL training jersey and matching cleats, Shiffrin navigated past stacked ski globes and gear crates with surprising finesse, pausing to flash her trademark grin at the lens. Though best known for carving perfect lines down icy slopes, her footwork on the ball was both playful and precise—an embodiment of her adaptability and competitive spirit .

Yet social media banter stole as much attention as the clip itself. Breezy Johnson—Shiffrin’s longtime teammate and teammate-turned-friend on the U.S. Alpine Ski Team—couldn’t resist chiming in. Under the Denver NWSL post, Johnson quipped:

“Miki, I know you’re good with a soccer ball, but dribbling in the same room as your globes isn’t advisable… take it to the pitch!” .

The light-hearted jab reflects the duo’s playful rivalry, which has punctuated both their championship runs and public appearances. While Johnson has excelled in speed events—claiming gold at the 2025 FIS Alpine World Ski Championships downhill—Shiffrin dominates technical races. Their dynamic mirrors the classic balance in soccer between tactical precision and raw power, underscoring how competitive bonds can translate seamlessly across sports .

The Business of Women’s Sports

Shiffrin’s foray into ownership comes amid a watershed moment for the NWSL. The league, founded in 2012, has grown from eight teams to 16 by 2026, fueled by surging TV ratings, landmark sponsorships, and a wave of high-profile investors. NBA star James Harden acquired a stake in Los Angeles, Eli Manning backs Gotham FC, and actress Natalie Portman co-owns the Boston Expansion side. These investments have coincided with significant on-field gains, including record attendance averages and expanded media rights deals, positioning the NWSL as a global leader in women’s team sports growth .

Financial analysts note that Denver’s expansion fee—well above previous NWSL benchmarks—reflects both investor confidence and the league’s commercial trajectory. The partnership between public and private stakeholders in Colorado, including the City of Denver’s proposed $70 million contribution, exemplifies a new template for stadium financing that prioritizes women’s sports infrastructure. Shiffrin’s involvement amplifies this message: athletes are now active architects of the sporting landscape, not merely its participants .

Shiffrin’s Vision for Growth

In her announcement, Shiffrin spoke passionately about community impact. “The sports culture in Colorado is rich and deep,” she said, “and—most notably—the growth of women’s sports is one of the most exciting movements in our culture today. I’m thrilled to lend my voice and resources to help build a team that women and girls can look up to.” Her endorsement carries weight beyond Colorado; as one of the most recognizable figures in global sports, Shiffrin’s entry into soccer ownership underscores the blurring lines between athletic disciplines and the united front elite athletes now present in advocating for gender equity in sports .

Observers expect Shiffrin to play an advisory role in player development and community outreach, leveraging her experience with high-performance training programs and youth engagement initiatives. Colorado’s soccer academies and public school partnerships could benefit from her input, potentially spawning mentorship programs that echo her own journey—from a backyard ski course on her family’s Vail property to the Olympic podium. In this way, Shiffrin bridges her technical mastery on snow with a broader mission to foster athletic excellence across sports .

The Chemistry of a Teammate’s Tease

Breezy Johnson’s playful ribbing illustrates more than friendly banter; it highlights the deep camaraderie among U.S. ski teammates and the supportive networks that underpin individual success. Johnson, who overcame a 14-month suspension to capture downhill gold in Saalbach-Hinterglemm, often credits her peers for motivation and mental fortitude. By poking fun at Shiffrin’s “globe hazard,” she acknowledges both the absurdity and delight of seeing a ski superstar adapt to new arenas .

Social media reactions echoed their rapport, with fans commenting on the duo’s seamless transition from carving gates to dribbling balls. Hashtags like #SkiersTakeDenver and #BreezyVsMiki trended briefly on Twitter, sparking memes of Shiffrin nutmegging an avalanche and Johnson scoring a downhill finish on a soccer pitch. The intersection of ski culture and soccer fandom created a viral moment that transcends traditional sports silos, testament to the growing interplay between athletes, leagues, and digital audiences .

Looking Ahead to the Pitch

As Denver NWSL prepares for its inaugural season in 2026, Shiffrin’s dual role as investor and ambassador sets a high bar. The team’s unnamed roster will be assembled through the 2025 NWSL draft, allocation processes, and international signings. With Shiffrin’s network and reputation, the club could attract top talents and established stars seeking to be part of a visionary project. Meanwhile, Johnson, who has yet to announce any formal ties to the club, hinted at visiting training sessions—perhaps to continue her teasing in person .

Off the field, the franchise’s community initiatives will likely prioritize youth clinics, school partnerships, and facilities that serve both soccer and winter sport training, reflecting Colorado’s multifaceted sporting identity. Shiffrin’s leadership could spur collaborations between the NWSL team and ski organizations to promote year-round athleticism, health education, and gender-inclusive participation. This holistic approach aligns with broader trends in sports development, where cross-training and interdisciplinary mentorship are increasingly valued .

Conclusion: A New Chapter in Athlete Ownership

Mikaela Shiffrin’s leap into NWSL ownership, punctuated by Breezy Johnson’s lighthearted tease, exemplifies the evolving role of athletes as investors, influencers, and champions of social change. Their interplay—ranging from Olympic gold on snow to Instagram quips—underscores a fundamental shift: athletic culture is no longer confined to one arena. As Shiffrin helps steer Denver’s NWSL franchise toward its debut, the blend of star power, savvy investment, and genuine camaraderie promises to enrich both women’s soccer and the broader sporting landscape. For fans across disciplines, the message is clear: greatness knows no single field.