Denver, Colorado, a city synonymous with majestic peaks and an unwavering spirit of ambition, has officially christened its new professional women`s soccer team: Denver Summit FC. This announcement, following an extensive fan vote, marks a significant milestone for the National Women`s Soccer League (NWSL) and heralds a new era for women`s sports in the Centennial State. Slated to kick off its inaugural season in 2026 alongside Boston Legacy FC, Denver Summit FC is set to become the NWSL`s 16th formidable franchise.
The Ascent to a Name: A Community`s Choice
The journey to the name “Denver Summit FC” was a refreshingly democratic one. The franchise initiated a “Name The Club” campaign, inviting over 15,000 votes and suggestions from an enthusiastic fanbase. From a curated list of six locally-inspired options, “Denver Summit FC” emerged as the clear favorite, embodying the geographical essence of Denver while metaphorically capturing the aspirational goals of the new club.
Jen Millet, President of Denver Summit FC, emphasized the critical role of community involvement in this foundational decision. “It was vital for us to name our club in collaboration with our community,” Millet stated. “Our crest, colors, and brand are representative of Denver and all of Colorado. It embraces our aspirational goals and pioneering spirit to build the best soccer club in the world.” The chosen palette of green, white, red, and sandstone, meticulously crafted by renowned soccer graphic designer Matthew Wolff, subtly weaves in the natural hues of Colorado`s diverse landscape.
Beyond the Horizon: A Vision Built on Peaks and Purpose
The name “Summit” carries a dual meaning: it speaks to the literal elevation of Denver, providing a unique home-field advantage, and the metaphoric pursuit of excellence. Rob Cohen, Controlling Owner of Denver Summit FC, articulated this vision eloquently:
“Coloradans are passionate about the outdoors, so it was always our vision that the crest should depict our natural surroundings. Our elevation offers us a distinct home field advantage, and our goal is to build a club that is always pursuing excellence on and off the field. Much like the picturesque Rocky Mountains, our charge is to stand apart while always reaching for new heights.”
This commitment to reaching new heights extends beyond the field of play. The franchise has already demonstrated a robust dedication to infrastructure, breaking ground on a state-of-the-art performance center. Furthermore, a monumental commitment has been made to construct a 14,500-seat NWSL stadium at Sante Fe Yards, slated for a Spring 2028 opening. This facility is poised to become the first purpose-built sports and entertainment district specifically designed for professional women`s sports in Colorado, a testament to the league`s growing prominence and Denver`s forward-thinking approach.
Strategic Foundations and Notable Support
The ambition of Denver Summit FC is underscored by its ownership group, which includes former NFL quarterback and sports icon Payton Manning as a minority investor. Manning`s involvement brings not only financial backing but also a wealth of experience in high-performance sports and a strong connection to the Colorado sports landscape, further solidifying the team`s professional credibility and market appeal.
Interestingly, the “Summit” name also required a thoughtful collaboration with the professional ultimate frisbee team, Colorado Summit. This partnership ensured a smooth transition, with the frisbee team planning its own fan-voted rebrand ahead of the 2026 season, demonstrating a spirit of cooperation across Denver`s diverse sports community.
The Road Ahead: Scaling New Heights for Women`s Soccer
While the unveiling of Denver Summit FC marks a significant “summit” achieved in the team`s formation, it is, ironically, just the base camp for the real climb. The club now faces the exhilarating challenge of building a roster, cultivating a distinct team culture, and integrating fully into the competitive landscape of the NWSL. For the city of Denver and the state of Colorado, Denver Summit FC represents more than just a new sports team; it symbolizes a growing commitment to equity in sports, a powerful vehicle for community pride, and a new peak of aspiration for future generations of athletes.
As the countdown to 2026 begins, all eyes will be on Denver Summit FC to see how this fan-voted, ambition-driven club carves its unique path in professional women`s soccer, striving not just to reach, but to surpass, every summit in its sight.
