Denver, Colorado – The Mile High City is preparing for a historic rise in women’s team. The arrival of Denver Summit FC, the newest NWSL expansion team set to debut in March 2026.
This ambitious project marks Colorado’s first professional women’s soccer club. Uniting a powerful ownership group, bold branding, and a clear vision. This will make Denver a long-term home for world-class women’s football.
Denver Summit FC Quick Facts
| Fact | Detail |
| League | NWSL (National Women’s Soccer League) |
| Debut Season | 2026 |
| Inaugural Match Venue | Empower Field at Mile High |
| Temporary Home | 12,000-seat stadium in Centennial (2026–2027) |
| Permanent Stadium | Baker neighborhood, Denver (14,500 seats, opening 2028) |
| Famous Owners | Peyton Manning & Mikaela Shiffrin |
| Club Slogan | Ascent and Ambition |
A New Era for Women’s Soccer in the Mile-High City
For years, Denver has been a sports capital. Home to the Broncos, Nuggets, Avalanche, and Rapids. One piece was missing: a top-flight women’s team. That changes with Denver Summit FC. A club born from the belief that women’s soccer deserves a strong and visible platform in the heart of the Rockies.
The name “Summit” symbolizes the pursuit of greatness, drawing inspiration from Colorado’s mountain peaks and the city’s 5,280-foot elevation. As the Denver Summit FC 2026 season approaches, anticipation is building for a team that aims to climb higher. Fundamentally changing the landscape of Colorado women’s soccer.
The Visual Identity Of Denver Summit FC: Ascent and Ambition on the Crest
Unveiled in July 2025, the club’s crest and colors immediately established Denver Summit FC among the most distinctive brands in the National Women’s Soccer League. Designed by renowned sports designer Matthew Wolff, the badge is a topographical story of Colorado itself:
- The Mountains: The central mountain peak is tilted at precisely 26 degrees. Subtly paying homage to the club’s 2026 debut season. The green and white palette reflects the lush valleys, snow-covered summits, and the iconic design of the Colorado state license plate.
- The Sky: The warm red and yellow background represents the dramatic sunsets and bright sunshine Colorado is famous for, nodding to the red rock formations found across the state.
- The 5280: Representing Denver’s elevation in feet, cements the “Mile High City” connection, creating a powerful visual symbol of its home field advantage.
Denver Summit FC Ownership Group: Power, Vision, and Local Pride
Behind the club stands a powerful mix of business expertise and sporting legacy. The Denver Summit FC ownership group is led by Rob Cohen, a Denver finance executive deeply rooted in the local community.
Joining him are two national icons whose involvement elevates the project and guarantees instant credibility:
- Peyton Manning: The legendary Denver Broncos quarterback and NFL Hall of Famer.
- Mikaela Shiffrin: Colorado’s own Olympic skiing champion, bringing global recognition and home-grown pride to the venture.
Their commitment is a statement to growing women’s professional soccer across the U.S. Ensuring the long-term success of the club. The organization has already tapped Nick Cushing, a coach with international experience. He has a responsability to build the competitive Denver Summit FC roster for the 2026 season.
Denver Summit FC Stadium Plans: From Empower Field to a Purpose-Built Home
The club’s stadium strategy reflects a clear, long-term vision for stability and growth:
- The Kickoff 2026: The inaugural Denver Summit FC match will take place on Saturday, March 28, 2026, at Empower Field at Mile High. This event, expected to draw a record crowd, is designed to be a massive celebration of women’s soccer at Colorado’s largest venue.
- Temporary Home (2026–2027): Following the opener, the team will play at a 12,000-seat temporary stadium in Centennial, ensuring accessibility for fans across the metro area while permanent construction is underway.
- Permanent Stadium (2028): The club plans to move into a state-of-the-art 14,500-seat soccer-specific stadium in Denver’s Baker neighborhood. This move will connect the club directly with the urban heart of the city, symbolizing long-term sustainability and community commitment.
Denver Summit FC Tickets, Merchandise, and the Club 5280 Programme
Demand for Denver Summit FC tickets has already exceeded expectations. The club announced over 15,000 season-ticket deposits within weeks of its launch, setting a new NWSL expansion record and confirming the region’s hunger for the sport.
The official fan programme, Club 5280, offers priority access to tickets, exclusive merchandise, and special events. Fans are encouraged to visit denversummitfc.com to join Club 5280, pre-order gear, and stay updated on the full Denver Summit FC schedule and roster announcements.
Final Take
Denver Summit FC is far more than just another women’s professional soccer team; it’s the embodiment of Colorado’s drive, altitude, and ambition. By establishing deep local roots, securing national investment, and planning a clear path to a permanent home, the club is set to elevate the standard of Colorado women’s soccer in both performance and visibility.
From the 5280 crest to the Empower Field Kickoff, every detail signals a team climbing toward greatness, ready to represent the Rocky Mountain spirit on the national NWSL stage.