What is Denver Summit FC? Colorado’s New NWSL Team Is Already Breaking Records

Denver Summit FC is Colorado’s newest professional women’s soccer club and the latest expansion team to join the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL), the top-flight women’s professional soccer league in the United States. Based in Denver, Colorado, the club enters a regional sports market that already supports the Colorado Rapids (MLS), signaling strong appetite for professional soccer in the Rocky Mountain region. The inaugural season of the Denver Summit has been one of the most anticipated launches in Colorado sports in recent years.

On March 28, 2026, Denver Summit FC drew 63,004 fans to Empower Field at Mile High (home of the Denver Broncos) for their first home match against the Washington Spirit, setting a new all-time NWSL single-game attendance record. The crowd shattered the previous NWSL record of 40,091, set by Bay FC less than a year earlier, by more than 20,000 fans – and also set the record for any women’s soccer game ever played in the United States.

What is Denver Summit FC?

Denver Summit FC is a new NWSL expansion team, representing the league’s next phase of strategic growth. As women’s sports and soccer in particular surges in popularity, the NWSL is expanding into high-demand markets to strengthen its national footprint.

Why Denver Was Chosen

Denver offers a strong foundation for success, driven by demand and sports culture. The city naturally fits within the ecosystem of Colorado’s professional sports teams.

Who Owns Denver Summit FC?

Denver Summit FC is led by controlling owner Rob Cohen, chairman and CEO of IMA Financial Group, who paid a then-league-record $110 million expansion fee to bring the club to life. The ownership group also includes Mellody Hobson – Co-CEO of Ariel Investments and one of the first Black owners in the NFL – and former Washington Commanders President Jason Wright, investing through their women’s sports initiative Project Level, alongside Peyton Manning and alpine skiing legend Mikaela Shiffrin.

Long-Term Vision for the Club

The ownership’s strategy centers on sustainable growth and meaningful community ties while advancing the sport at both local and national levels. This approach is reflected in several key priorities:

Focus on long-term sustainability
Deep community engagement initiatives
Elevating women’s soccer on both local and national stages

Where Does Denver Summit FC Play?

Denver Summit FC will eventually play in the Santa Fe Yards development, an emerging hub designed to blend sports, entertainment, and urban growth. This location positions the club at the center of Denver’s evolving infrastructure.

Stadium Experience and Fan Accessibility

The venue is designed for a modern fan experience, combining accessibility with comfort and energy. It offers easy access via major transit routes, a walkable and well-integrated urban setting, and enhanced amenities that elevate game-day engagement.

NWSL Players Training - What is Denver Summit FC - Longmont Ledger — NWSL Players Training in 2024 | Photo by Taylor Vincent

Why Denver Summit FC Matters for Colorado

The arrival of Denver Summit FC reflects accelerating momentum in pro women’s sports, bringing greater visibility, investment, and opportunity to the region. As leagues expand, teams like Denver Summit help elevate competition and fan engagement nationwide by increasing media attention and sponsorships, expanding opportunities for elite athletes, and strengthening the pipeline for future talent.

What Fans Can Expect From Denver Summit FC

The Denver Summit FC name reflects Colorado’s iconic peaks, signaling ambition and elevation. The club’s branding draws from local identity, including mountains, resilience, and community pride, creating a strong visual and cultural connection.

Fans can expect an engaging, inclusive matchday experience built around connection and energy, featuring a growing fan culture, active supporter groups, local community events and outreach, and a family-friendly atmosphere with high-energy crowds.