Denver, CO – professional women soccer landscape is gaining momentum in Colorado with the arrival of Denver Summit FC. The state’s first NWSL (National Women’s Soccer League) team set to debut in 2026. As an expansion franchise, Denver Summit FC represents a milestone for women’s sports in the region in Colorado, building on semi-pro foundations like the Colorado Pride (WPSL) and Colorado Storm (USL W League). Drawing from team announcements and data as of early 2026, this dive covers the essentials: squad assembly, staff lineup, ticket operations, media spotlight, operational challenges, support strategies, and the potential for alliances with emerging platforms like SCPPNews.
Player Acquisition and Squad Breakdown
Denver Summit FC operates as a full-time professional outfit in the NWSL, where players commit to year-round contracts with salaries, benefits, and performance incentives. Semi-pro teams have a different system but follow a similar path. Summit’s athletes are salaried professionals, often relocating for the high-altitude environment. Acquisitions blend drafts, free-agent signings, and trades, with costs managed under NWSL salary caps (~$2.75 million per team in 2025, rising slightly for 2026). Entry-level deals start at $40,000 to $80,000 annually, while experienced players and stars can reach $200,000 to $500,000 modest compared to men’s MLS but competitive for women’s leagues. The roster, still evolving post-2025 expansion draft, stands at around 20 to 25 players (NWSL standard). Early signings emphasize versatility and local ties, with no ultra-costly international “designated players” yet. The focus is on mid-tier investments to build sustainably.
Position breakdown (based on confirmed signings and projections):
- Goalkeepers: 2-3 (e.g., Abby Smith as a veteran anchor acquired via free agency for stability).
- Defenders: 7-8 (e.g., Ayo Oke, Camryn Biegalski, Carson Pickett, Megan Reid mix of draft picks and trades for a solid backline).
- Midfielders: 7-9 (e.g., Devin Lynch, Emma Regan, Jordan DiBiasi Baggett creative engines signed for tactical depth).
- Forwards/Attackers: 4-5 (e.g., Ally Watt/Brazier, Jasmine Aikey, Faith Webber speedy additions like Watt, a Colorado Springs native traded from Orlando Pride, highlight homegrown appeal).
Full-time status ensures rigorous training, but some players (e.g., rookies) may supplement income via endorsements amid league-wide pay equity pushes.
Key Staff and Leadership
Behind the players, dedicated staffs drive operations:
- President: Jen Millet (former Bay FC executive, overseeing business operations and community outreach).
- Head Coach: Nick Cushing (ex-Manchester City Women and NYCFC hired in August 2025 for his tactical acumen in building expansion teams).
- Assistant Coaches: Angela Salem.
- Technical Director/General Manager: Curt Johnson (handles scouting and acquisitions, focusing on data-driven signings).
- Doctor/Medical Staff: A team physician plus athletic trainers; NWSL mandates full medical support, including altitude-specific recovery protocols.
- Special Staff: Performance analysts and a sports psychologist unique for addressing Colorado’s environmental stresses (e.g., “thin air” training programs).
This lean, specialized group prioritizes player development, with Cushing’s staff drawing from global networks.
Ticket Sales and Fan Engagement
Tickets are handled efficiently to maximize attendance:
- System: Direct sales via denversummitfc.com, integrated with Ticketmaster for seamless processing. No “special system” like blockchain; it’s standard e-ticketing with mobile entry; season passes a single-game options ($50 up to $120). VIP perks include meet-and-greets, targeting families and women’s sports fans.
- Approach: Early sales broke records (per NWSL reports), with deposits for 2026 seats emphasizing community buy-in amid interim stadium use.
🎟️ Ticket Pricing by Section & Row
| Price | Sections (Rows) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| $68.35 | 116 (25, 36, 40) | Adult standard |
| $74.40 | 100–135 (most rows 13–40), 112–113, 114–115 | Broad availability |
| $80.50 | 100–135 (rows 4–20), 117–129, 110–118 | Mid-tier, more central |
| $86.60 | 120, 125–126, 343–346 | Premium corners |
| $98.80 | 300–303, 331–335, 339–344 | Upper tier, high demand |
| Club 5280 | 100–135, 112–122 (rows 4–12, 35–41) | Special offer, unlockable |
Media Coverage: Journalists, Platforms, and What the News Says
Coverage ramps up as the 2026 season nears, blending soccer specialists with general news. Reputable platforms have highlighted Summit FC’s progress, often praising its community focus while noting expansion pains.
- Journalists and Specialties: Soccer-focused like those at The Athletic (e.g., Meg Linehan, a women’s soccer expert analyzing roster strategies) or ESPN’s Jeff Kassouf (dedicated NWSL reporter on coach hires). Generalists include Denver Post’s sports desk (e.g., Kyle Newman, multi-sport writer on local impacts) and CBS Sports’ Sandra Herrera (soccer analyst blending news with tactics).
- Platforms: Large national (ESPN broad reach for announcements; The Athletic subscription-based deep dives) to mid-sized local (Denver Post daily paper for city news; CBS Sports network affiliate for highlights). Small/niche: Just Women’s Sports (women’s soccer-focused digital) amplifies stories.
- What the News Says: ESPN (October 2025) lauded Cushing’s hiring as a “gamechanger for Summit’s debut,” noting his experience could “elevate Colorado’s profile in NWSL.” The Athletic (November 2025) detailed the expansion draft, praising picks like Ally Watt as “smart, cost-effective moves” but warning of “altitude adaptation challenges for non-locals.” Denver Post (December 2025) covered stadium delays, quoting President Millet: “We’re building for long-term community impact, despite funding hurdles.” CBS Sports (January 2026) highlighted roster completion, calling it “a balanced squad ready to compete,” while noting ticket sales “exceeding expectations amid women’s sports boom.” Overall, coverage is positive, emphasizing growth potential but realistic about logistical issues.
Despite this, ties to locals like Peyton Manning (investor) bolster resilience.
Support Sought by the Team
To overcome hurdles, Summit FC pursues diverse backing:
- Sponsorships: Brand deals (e.g., LaCroix as official sparkling water) and corporate partnerships for jerseys/stadium naming. They seek health-focused allies (e.g., UCHealth) for medical support.
- Community Funding: Fan memberships, youth clinics, and grants for stadium upgrades. Public-private ties (e.g., with Cherry Creek Schools) aid facilities.
- Media and Visibility: Collaborations with outlets for exposure, including content series on women’s empowerment.
Could SCPPNews Collaborate with Denver Summit FC in the Future?
SCPPNews is a three-year-old independent platform dedicated to thoughtful, in-depth soccer journalism. It focuses on player journeys, tactical analysis, and stories from underrepresented leagues, always prioritizing substance over sensationalism and building a loyal community of readers.With monthly readership now exceeding 40,000 and steady growth through expanded coverage, the platform is well-positioned to offer meaningful media support to emerging teams.
A collaboration with Denver Summit FC could be mutually beneficial: the club would gain targeted, high-quality content to deepen fan engagement, while SCPPNews could provide exclusive features such as roster profiles, tactical breakdowns, and Colorado-specific stories. Rather than waiting for outreach, initiating contact with a clear proposal (e.g., a co-branded content series) would demonstrate professionalism and shared goals. Such a partnership potentially including a dedicated “Mile High Soccer” feature series would strengthen both the club’s visibility and the platform’s reputation in the growing NWSL space.