New Expansion Team in the NWSL
The newest expansion team in the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL), set to debut in Denver in 2026, has appointed Curt Johnson, a former high-ranking official with the North Carolina Courage, as its inaugural general manager. Johnson expressed enthusiasm about this fresh opportunity, stating to ESPN,
This is a new venture where there are no existing issues to resolve, allowing us to start with a clean slate.
Expansion of the League
Denver is joining the NWSL alongside Boston Legacy FC, expanding the league to a total of 16 teams. While the Denver team has yet to announce its official name and branding, interest is already growing, with over 10,000 season ticket deposits recorded.
Curt Johnson’s Background and Focus
Curt Johnson left his position with North Carolina FC and the Courage in December after dedicating 14 years to the organization. During his tenure, he witnessed the Courage attain significant success, clinching back-to-back NWSL Shields and Championships in 2018 and 2019. He shared that he first learned of the Denver franchise opportunity in March and is now focusing on assembling a competitive roster and hiring a staff.
Key Operational Positions
To construct a solid operational foundation, Johnson has identified five key positions he intends to prioritize: head coach, technical director, assistant general manager, head of medical and performance, and head of operations and player experience.
It’s crucial to find the right individuals for these roles, and while I hope to move quickly, the quality of hires is my main concern.
Colorado’s Soccer Talent
The state of Colorado has a rich history of nurturing soccer talent, with notable players like U.S. forwards Sophia Wilson and Mallory Swanson emerging from the area. Both players, associated with the youth club Real Colorado, are currently on maternity leave. Swanson has a contract with the Chicago Stars, while Wilson is nearing free agency from her contract with Portland Thorns FC.
Strategic Advantages
As Johnson embarks on this venture, he emphasizes the distinct advantage that Colorado’s soccer culture provides.
The local talent pool is indeed special, and our strategy will involve harnessing relationships with those who have a strong soccer background in the area.
Preparation for the 2026 Season
In terms of timing, Denver has a more aggressive timeline to prepare for the NWSL’s 2026 season compared to Boston, which was given the green light earlier in 2023 but has encountered various obstacles, including a rebranding initiative and construction delays at their intended venue. Still, Johnson remains optimistic, emphasizing the positive trajectory that Denver is on.
Stadium Plans
Plans are underway to construct a modular stadium that will be operational by the start of the NWSL season in 2026, situated alongside their future permanent training facility. A long-term stadium with a seating capacity of 14,500 is anticipated to be completed by 2028. Johnson believes these developments will attract talent on all fronts, stating,
I am confident we are poised to create something remarkable that can thrive in 2026.
