The National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) has awarded Denver, Colorado the league’s 16th franchise and the team is set to begin play in the 2026 season.

On Thursday, the National Women’s Soccer League awarded Denver the league’s 16th franchise at a record $110 million expansion fee, according to a person familiar with the deal, who spoke on the condition of anonymity to discuss nonpublic details.

The National Women's Soccer League officially awarded its 16th franchise to Denver, with play set to begin in 2026, the league announced Thursday. The team's name, colors, brand identity and crest will be revealed later.

Sportico previously reported the team was acquired for a record $110 million expansion fee, more than twice what Boston's ownership paid for its franchise

The National Women's Soccer League officially announced the creation of a new team in Denver on Thursday. The franchise will begin play in the 2026 season. "I have the great honor of awarding the 16th NWSL franchise to the city of Denver,

Jared Polis joined National Women's Soccer League commissioner Jessica Berman on Thursday to celebrate Denver becoming home to the 16th NWSL club. The yet-to-be-named team expects to start competing in 2026.

The National Women's Soccer League on Thursday formally announced Denver was awarded the 16th team, set to start play in 2026. It will become the city's first top-tier women's professional team.