When the NWSL began in 2013, it started with just 8 teams. Since then, increased investments and infrastructure improvements have allowed the league to grow to 14 teams, with the numbers about to go even higher. Recently, there has been buzz that Denver could become the 16th team, bringing the top division of women’s soccer to Colorado.

As per Sportico, the NWSL has begun exclusive negotiations with a group from Denver for the league’s next expansion franchise. Previously, Cincinnati and Cleveland were also competing for a spot in the league. By 2026, Denver will join the new Boston franchise, and their expansion fee could be double that of the Massachusetts city.

Both Bay FC and BOS Nation FC paid $53 million as part of being the 14th and 15th NWSL teams, respectively. The expansion fee for Denver is said to be at least $105 million, which can rise to $120 million, making it the biggest amount ever in the history of U.S. Women’s Sports. As per Sportico, Angel City FC is the most valuable franchise in the league, with an estimate of $250 million. 

Leading the investment for the supposed Denver FC is IMA Financial Group CEO Robert Cohen. Joining him are Ben Hubbard, CEO of Parsyl, Tom Dunmore, a sports business executive, Nicole Glaros, CEO of Phos and former NWSL player Jordan Angeli. There’s also talk of the city getting its soccer stadium if the expansion plan goes through.

While the residents of Denver are rejoicing over getting NWSL status, there’s a star investor from the Cincinnati group who would likely be disappointed after learning of the new expansion news.

Denver ‘airballs’ WNBA star’s NWSL dreams 

The Indiana Fever superstar, Caitlin Clark, is part of the Cincinnati group, which is led by the owners of MLS’ Cincinnati FC. Apart from shining on the basketball court, Caitlin Clark has been a significant figure in investing in women’s sports. While she’d likely be disappointed for now, there is hope that she could become a part of the league if more expansions occur in the future.

There’s no official paperwork started yet, and it could take days, weeks, or even months before the deal is finalized. With the new CBA agreement, more teams, and increased investments, the standard of women’s soccer in the United States will continue to rise.

For Denver, this is a great opportunity, as the city has produced world-class talents like Mallory Swanson, Sophia Smith, and Lindsey Horan, all of whom are key figures for their respective clubs and Emma Hayes’s USWNT squad. This is a big step up, considering how there was growing uncertainty about who would become the 16th team after NWSL Commissioner Jessica Berman announced expansion plans.