Mikaela Shiffrin joins the ownership group of the Denver-based NWSL expansion team.

Mikaela Shiffrin, the most decorated alpine skier in history and a proud Colorado native, has officially joined the ownership group of Denver’s NWSL expansion team, set to debut in 2026. Shiffrin brings not only her championship pedigree—with two Olympic gold medals and 101 World Cup victories—but also a deep-rooted passion for her home state’s vibrant sports culture and the growth of women’s athletics. Her investment underscores a broader trend of elite athletes championing women’s sports, joining contemporaries such as Lindsey Vonn, James Harden, and Eli Manning in investing in the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL). The Denver franchise, announced in January 2025 following a record-breaking $110 million expansion fee, is already laying the groundwork for success with ambitious stadium projects, community-driven fan engagement, and a diverse ownership group led by controlling owner Rob Cohen. Shiffrin’s addition is poised to elevate the club’s profile, foster local enthusiasm, and contribute strategic insights as the team builds toward its inaugural season.

Background on Denver’s NWSL Expansion

Denver was officially awarded the NWSL’s 16th franchise on January 30, 2025, becoming the second team announced in this round after Boston Legacy FC and expanding the league to 16 clubs . The expansion fee for the Denver team set a new league record at $110 million, reflecting both investor confidence and the escalating valuation of professional women’s soccer in the United States . Led by controlling owner Rob Cohen—CEO of IMA Financial Group and cofounder of the Metro Denver Sports Commission—the ownership group includes high-profile figures such as Mellody Hobson, Jason Wright, Kaia Borgen Moritz, Neelima Joshi, and Molly Coors, among others . The new franchise represents Colorado’s first professional women’s sports team in a major league since the Colorado Xplosion of the American Basketball League folded in 1998 .

Early Fan Engagement and Season Ticket Milestones

Long before a name, crest, or players were announced, Denver NWSL set league records for fan interest by securing over 10,000 season-ticket deposits within two months of launching ticket sales in April 2025 . This enthusiastic response prompted the club to initiate a “Name the Club” campaign, inviting supporters to vote between options such as Denver Peak FC and Colorado Summit FC through February 26, 2025 . These early engagements have cemented the franchise’s community-driven ethos and positioned the team as a rallying point for Colorado’s diverse sports fans.

Mikaela Shiffrin: From Vail to the Pitch

Born and raised in Vail, Colorado, Mikaela Shiffrin burst onto the World Cup circuit at age 16 and rapidly became the sport’s preeminent talent . With 101 World Cup victories and eight world championship titles, she holds the record for the most wins by any alpine skier in history . Shiffrin’s accolades include two Olympic gold medals—one in slalom at PyeongChang 2018 and another in giant slalom at Beijing 2022—solidifying her status as one of the greatest athletes in winter sports . Her athleticism, competitive drive, and disciplined work ethic have earned her recognition beyond skiing, including ESPN’s Best Athlete in Women’s Sports award in 2023 and a spot on Time magazine’s “100 Most Influential People” list .

A Passion for Colorado’s Sports Culture

Shiffrin has long expressed her love for Colorado’s rich sports landscape, from skiing trails to mountain biked paths, and now sees professional women’s soccer as a natural extension of her community commitment . In her official statement, she remarked, “The sport culture in Colorado is rich and deep, and — most notably — the growth of women’s sports is one of the most exciting movements in our culture today. To be part of it, and to help bring professional women’s soccer to Colorado, is not only an incredible investment opportunity — but it is both an honor and a joy” .

Motivations and Strategic Vision

For Shiffrin, joining the ownership group is a strategic decision that aligns her with an evolving sports ecosystem and bolsters her off-piste portfolio . She views her role as more than a financial backer; she intends to leverage her global platform to raise the fledgling franchise’s profile, attract sponsorships, and forge community partnerships . By uniting her personal brand with the NWSL’s mission, Shiffrin aims to inspire young athletes—particularly girls in Colorado—to pursue excellence both on the ski slopes and soccer fields.

A Growing Trend of Athlete Investors

Shiffrin’s investment follows a rising cadre of high-profile athletes endorsing and investing in women’s sports franchises. NBA All-Star James Harden joined the Houston Dash’s ownership group in 2023, while former NFL quarterback Eli Manning invested in Gotham FC, and actor-producer Natalie Portman co-founded Angel City FC in Los Angeles . Lindsey Vonn, Shiffrin’s former Olympic teammate and the third-winningest alpine skier in history, is also an investor in the Utah Royals FC . This wave of athlete-owners underscores a broader cultural shift, where elite sports figures leverage their influence to bolster women’s professional leagues and spotlight gender equity in athletics.

Ownership Group Composition and Governance

Rob Cohen serves as the club’s controlling owner and Governor, directing strategic decisions and overseeing operations, while Ariel Investments Co-CEO Mellody Hobson acts as Alternate Governor through Project Level—Ariel’s fund dedicated to women’s sports investments . The broader ownership consortium brings expertise from finance, entertainment, health, and community activism, ensuring the franchise benefits from multidisciplinary guidance. Nicole Glaros, Jason Wright, Jon-Erik Borgen, and Kaia Borgen Moritz round out the group, contributing diverse perspectives that reflect Denver’s multifaceted community.

Stadium and Infrastructure Plans

Temporary Facilities in Centennial

Prior to the completion of a permanent downtown stadium, Denver NWSL will utilize a 12,000-seat temporary modular stadium and training complex in Centennial, Colorado, in partnership with the city and Cherry Creek School District . This facility, slated for use during the 2026 and 2027 seasons, includes eight soccer fields across 43 acres and will downsize to a 4,000-seat venue for school sports thereafter .

Permanent Soccer-Specific Stadium at Santa Fe Yards

The long-term vision calls for a purpose-built 14,500-seat stadium at Santa Fe Yards in Denver’s Baker neighborhood, set to open in 2028. This development, for which the ownership has secured city approvals and community support, will anchor a broader stadium district with retail, entertainment, and public spaces . The project represents one of the largest private investments in women’s sports facilities, with an estimated total capital expenditure approaching $400 million when factoring in surrounding developments .

Impact on Colorado’s Sports Landscape

By filling a long-vacant space in Denver’s professional sports market, the NWSL franchise reestablishes a top-tier women’s team in a state renowned for outdoor athletics . Local youth soccer organizations and high school programs have already reported heightened interest, anticipating direct pathways to professional opportunities in their home city. With Colorado ranked among the top five youth soccer participation states in the U.S., the team is poised to cultivate both fan engagement and talent development pipelines.

Economic and Community Benefits

City officials project that the franchise will generate $50–$75 million in annual economic impact through game-day spending, tourism, and related hospitality revenues . Public-private partnerships with Denver and Centennial aim to ensure community accessibility, with youth clinics, discounted tickets for underserved neighborhoods, and facility access for local schools. This collaborative model underscores the franchise’s dedication to social responsibility and long-term sustainability.

Looking Ahead: Team Development and Fan Engagement

As the club finalizes its name, crest, and colors—expected to be unveiled in late summer 2025—the focus shifts to player recruitment and coaching appointments. With the NWSL College Draft and international transfer windows opening in early 2026, Denver NWSL will compete for top domestic and international talent. Meanwhile, preseason friendlies and community outreach events are planned across Colorado, leveraging Shiffrin’s star power to draw media attention and sponsor partnerships.

Conclusion

Mikaela Shiffrin’s entry into the ownership ranks of Denver NWSL represents more than a high-profile investment; it symbolizes the intersection of athletic excellence, community pride, and the accelerating momentum of women’s professional sports. By uniting her championship-winning ethos with a pioneering franchise in her home state, Shiffrin elevates Colorado’s sporting tapestry and champions the next generation of female athletes. As Denver NWSL gears up for its inaugural season, the combined vision of its diverse ownership group, robust infrastructure plans, and grassroots enthusiasm promises to deliver a lasting legacy for women’s soccer in the Mile High City—and beyond.