Peyton Manning Joins Denver NWSL Expansion Team
Peyton Manning, legendary quarterback and five-time NFL MVP, is stepping into a new role as part of the ownership group for the upcoming Denver NWSL expansion team, set to debut next year. Manning, who once led the Denver Broncos to a Super Bowl title before retiring in 2016, expressed his enthusiasm for supporting women’s sports and contributing to a franchise that will resonate with the local community.
“It’s a real honor to be part of something so meaningful to the Colorado community. I’m proud to support the growth of women’s sports and excited to help build a club that our city and our state can rally behind.”
With an impressive career behind him, Manning holds numerous records, including those for most passing yards and touchdowns in a single NFL season, alongside his historic count of five league MVP awards. He was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2021, solidifying his status as one of the game’s all-time greats.
Contributions to the Franchise
Rob Cohen, the controlling owner of the Denver NWSL franchise, lauded Manning’s contributions, stating,
“Peyton’s legacy as a champion and a leader is second to none. His impact on Colorado sports is unmatched, and we’re incredibly proud to have him as a partner. He brings passion, insight, and deep local roots — all of which will help us shape the future of Denver NWSL.”
Since hanging up his cleats, Manning has transitioned into the media landscape, co-hosting “Monday Night Football with Peyton and Eli” on ESPN, which has garnered multiple Sports Emmy awards. Notably, his brother Eli Manning is a minority investor in another NWSL team, Gotham FC.
Ownership Group and Future Plans
In addition to Manning, two-time Olympic gold medalist Mikaela Shiffrin has also joined the ownership group. The franchise’s ownership collective is led by Cohen, a Colorado insurance executive, and includes notable investors such as Mellody Hobson from Ariel Investments and Molly Coors from the Coors family, known for their past ownership of the MLB’s Colorado Rockies.
The new Denver NWSL team has not yet revealed its name or branding but is set to play in a temporary stadium in Centennial, Colorado, which will seat 12,000 fans. Plans for a permanent 14,500-seat stadium in Denver are underway, with expectations for completion by 2028. This venue will mark a significant milestone as only the second NWSL stadium built exclusively for the league, following a $110 million investment for their expansion franchise, more than double the last charge for new teams.
Overall, the excitement surrounding the Denver NWSL franchise reflects the growing commitment to women’s sports and the broader sports community in Colorado.
