The National Women’s Soccer League on Thursday awarded the league’s 16th franchise to Denver.

The Denver NWSL team is set to begin play in the 2026 season. Denver is the second franchise awarded by the NWSL during this round of expansion, following Team 15 in Boston, taking the league from 14 to 16 clubs.

“As the NWSL continues its rapid growth, we knew it was critical to launch our 16th team in a city with a passionate sports culture and vibrant fan base, and Denver is the perfect match,” said NWSL commissioner Jessica Berman said in a press release. “The club’s plans for a purpose-built stadium and state-of-the-art training facility demonstrate a commitment to providing world-class environments for our players and fans alike. With this ownership group’s vision and dedication, we are confident that Denver NWSL will set new standards for excellence on and off the pitch, inspiring the next generation of players and supporters across the Rocky Mountain region.”

For more information on the new franchise, click here.