Denver Summit FC Aims to Elevate the NWSL

The NWSL's newest West Coast expansion team is building a championship-caliber roster and community-driven culture from the ground up.

Feb. 4, 2026 at 6:23pm

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The National Women's Soccer League has doubled in size to 16 clubs over the past 13 years, with two new teams making their debuts this season: Denver Summit FC and Boston Legacy FC. As a brand-new franchise, the Summit has attracted top veteran players like Ally Brazier, Kaleigh Kurtz, and USWNT star Lindsey Heaps, who will join the club in July. The team is focused on building a winning culture and strong community ties, with plans to construct a permanent stadium by the 2028 season.

Why it matters

The NWSL's expansion to Denver represents a significant growth opportunity for women's soccer, tapping into a passionate fan base in a soccer-loving state. As one of the league's newest clubs, Denver Summit FC has the chance to set a new standard for community engagement and on-field success, potentially inspiring other expansion teams to follow suit.

The details

Denver Summit FC has assembled an experienced roster, including defenders Kaleigh Kurtz and Ally Brazier, who bring multiple NWSL championships and other accolades. The team is committed to developing a strong identity and culture, with Kurtz and Brazier serving as veteran leaders. The club has also secured high-profile investors like former NFL quarterback Peyton Manning and Olympic skier Mikaela Shiffrin. Denver's bid for the franchise included a pledge to build a permanent stadium by the 2028 season, which would be the second fully dedicated women's soccer facility in the league.

  • The NWSL revealed Denver's new expansion team in July 2025.
  • Ally Brazier signed with Denver Summit FC as the team's first player in August 2025.
  • Denver Summit FC will play its home opener against the Washington Spirit on March 28, 2026.
  • The team's permanent stadium in Centennial is expected to be completed by the 2028 season.

The players

Kaleigh Kurtz

A veteran center-back who has won two NWSL Championships, two Challenge Cups, and two Shields over her eight seasons with the North Carolina Courage. Kurtz will be a keystone in Denver's backline and help develop the team's young roster.

Ally Brazier

A native of Colorado Springs who signed with Denver Summit FC as the team's first player. Brazier spent the last three seasons with the Orlando Pride, winning the 2024 NWSL Shield and Championship.

Lindsey Heaps

A USWNT star who will join Denver Summit FC in July 2026.

Rob Cohen

The controlling owner of Denver Summit FC.

Peyton Manning

A former NFL quarterback and one of the club's investors.

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What they’re saying

“You get to build a culture because there's not an established one there…We're able to be ourselves, and it's up to us to be able to dictate that culture. Starting from scratch, it's a blank canvas, you get to see what you want to create.”

— Kaleigh Kurtz, Defender (The Sporting Tribune)

“I think we're going to compete for a championship, to be honest. With an expansion side and the NWSL, we all know it's chaos, and we need to be able to ride those waves. I think we have what it takes to win a championship right off the bat, so we're going to go for it.”

— Kaleigh Kurtz, Defender (The Sporting Tribune)

“I'm a veteran now, and I have wisdom to share and also trauma, but just so much more to share to help build this franchise.”

— Ally Brazier, Midfielder (The Sporting Tribune)

“What we build will be the foundation for how many years this franchise is going to exist. We're really taking care of it and making sure we're doing this properly because, if you don't have a solid foundation, things could crumble.”

— Ally Brazier, Midfielder (The Sporting Tribune)

“It's a full circle moment for me in my career. Just to go back to the state that gave me soccer and made me fall in love with soccer, so I just want to give everything back to that community and help grow women's soccer in a state that is such a soccer state. I think this is going to be really, really special.”

— Ally Brazier, Midfielder (The Sporting Tribune)

What’s next

Denver Summit FC kicks off its inaugural NWSL season on March 14 against Bay FC at PayPal Stadium.

The takeaway

Denver Summit FC's commitment to building a championship-caliber roster, community-driven culture, and dedicated stadium showcases the NWSL's continued growth and the league's ability to tap into passionate soccer markets across the country.