Denver Summit FC: A New Era in Women’s Soccer
The National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) has officially unveiled the name for its upcoming 16th franchise, now known as Denver Summit FC. This name was selected after gathering input from both the team’s ownership and a fan voting process that scrutinized six potential names over the past few months. Team president Jen Millet expressed relief, mentioning the organization can finally abandon the temporary placeholder “Denver NWSL” after its announcement back in January.
Debut and Branding
Denver Summit FC is set to make its debut in 2026, with a brand that heavily emphasizes mountain imagery—a fitting choice for a franchise originating from a state known for its stunning Rocky Mountain backdrop. The newly designed crest showcases green mountains, which are illustrated at a 26-degree angle, symbolizing the team’s inaugural year. Adding to its allure, the emblem features white snowcaps beneath a vivid red sky and an orange sun.
Initially, the name submitted to fans on the ballot was “Colorado Summit FC”, but the ownership chose to finalize it as “Denver Summit FC”. This decision was made to reflect the squad’s commitment to the city, especially considering plans for a new 14,500-seat stadium set to open in 2028—marking the venue as only the second of its kind built specifically for the NWSL. Millet stressed the significance of naming the team after Denver to highlight their deep-rooted dedication to the city where they will be based.
Community Engagement and Identity
Other local sports franchises often face a mix of branding between “Denver” and “Colorado”, showcasing varying identities in the region. Denver Summit FC’s fan-inclusive naming process sharply contrasts with how Boston’s NWSL expansion team, now called Boston Legacy FC, initially chose its name in 2024. That team first launched under the name “BOS Nation FC”, which received widespread critique leading to a rebranding effort.
Millet, who hails from Colorado and previously contributed to Bay FC’s launch, noted that while she joined the naming dialogue later in the process, there was a deliberate choice to ensure community input played a pivotal role in shaping the team’s identity.
“The goal from the ownership group was to create a club that feels like a community asset,”
she explained.
Moreover, as the Denver franchise’s branding evolved, community preferences led to retaining a deep green primary color reminiscent of the temporary brand, while also incorporating elements reflecting Colorado’s heritage—like the sandstone red sky in the crest, inspired by the state’s iconic red rock formations.
Looking Ahead
Millet, drawing from her prior experience with the Golden State Warriors, expressed enthusiasm about seeing how fans react to the new brand.
“For me, the ultimate success will be when those who’ve contributed to bringing this team to life are proud to don our gear,”
she concluded. In a league noted for its collaborative atmosphere, Denver and Boston share best practices as they navigate this pioneering journey together.
In summary, Denver Summit FC is eager to emerge as a new contender in the NWSL while fostering a strong connection with the community it represents.
