The National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) is on the verge of claiming the Mile High City as its newest soccer hotspot. According to a source close to the negotiations, the league has entered exclusive talks with an investment group led by IMA Financial Group CEO Rob Cohen to bring a franchise to Denver, potentially setting a new record for expansion fees in the process.
While the deal has not been finalized, the anonymous source revealed that the expansion fee could fall between $105 million and $120 million, which would eclipse the previous high-water marks set by Bay FC in 2023 and Boston earlier this year. The NWSL declined to comment on the ongoing negotiations, but the league is hopeful that an agreement can be reached by early January 2025.
A Star-Studded Investment Group
The Denver-based investment group, operating under the name For Denver FC, boasts an impressive roster of business leaders and soccer enthusiasts. In addition to Cohen, who is expected to serve as the controlling owner, the group includes:
- Ben Hubbard, CEO of insurance company Parsyl
- Tom Dunmore, former soccer executive with USL side Indy Eleven and recent VP of marketing for Major League Cricket
- Nicole Glaros, CEO of Phos
- Jordan Angeli, former NWSL player and current soccer broadcaster
Cohen’s deep ties to the Denver sports scene, including his role as a board member of the Denver Sports Advisory Committee and the U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Foundation, position him as a key player in bringing professional women’s soccer to the region.
Denver’s Soccer Boom
The potential addition of an NWSL team in Denver comes amidst a surge of interest in soccer throughout the city and surrounding areas. The Colorado Rapids of Major League Soccer have seen steady growth in attendance and fan engagement, while the USL Championship’s Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC have also established a strong following.
The success of these men’s teams, coupled with the increasing popularity of women’s soccer on both a national and global scale, has created a prime opportunity for the NWSL to tap into the Denver market. As one of the fastest-growing metropolitan areas in the United States, Denver boasts a diverse and passionate sports fan base that is eager to embrace a professional women’s soccer team.
A Record-Setting Expansion Fee
The potential expansion fee of $105-120 million underscores the tremendous value and growth potential of the NWSL. As the league continues to attract top talent from around the world and garner increased media attention, investors are recognizing the long-term viability and profitability of women’s soccer in the United States.
This is a testament to the incredible work that’s been done by the league, the players, and the fans to build the NWSL into a premier destination for women’s soccer. The potential record-breaking expansion fee in Denver showcases the value and excitement surrounding the league and the sport as a whole.
– Anonymous source close to the negotiations
The NWSL’s rapid expansion in recent years, with the additions of Bay FC and Boston, highlights the league’s strategic growth plan and its ability to attract significant investment. As more cities vie for the opportunity to join the NWSL, the league is well-positioned to solidify its status as the top women’s soccer league in the world.
Looking Ahead
As the exclusive negotiations between the NWSL and the Denver investment group continue, soccer fans in the Mile High City and beyond eagerly await official confirmation of the franchise’s arrival. With a talented ownership group, a passionate fan base, and a rapidly growing league, the stage is set for Denver to make a splash in the world of professional women’s soccer.
The addition of a Denver team would not only provide a boost to the local economy and sports scene but also serve as an inspiration for young girls and aspiring soccer players throughout the region. As the NWSL continues to expand its footprint and elevate the game, the league’s impact on women’s sports and society as a whole cannot be overstated.
Soccer enthusiasts and Denver residents alike now eagerly await the final decision, as the city stands on the precipice of becoming the latest chapter in the NWSL’s remarkable growth story.
