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Commerce City Today
By the People, for the People
Denver Summit FC Joins NWSL, Aims to Reach New Heights
New expansion club brings star-studded roster, renowned coach, and high expectations for inaugural 2026 season
Published on Feb. 12, 2026
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Denver Summit FC is officially joining the NWSL as the league's 16th franchise for the 2026 season. Aiming to make an immediate impact, the expansion club has assembled a star-studded roster, hired renowned coach Nick Cushing, and already shattered ticket sales expectations for their March debut. The team will play at multiple stadiums before moving into their own home in July 2026.
Why it matters
The arrival of Denver Summit FC represents a significant expansion of the NWSL into a new market, bringing the women's game to the Rocky Mountain region. With high expectations and a commitment to building a passionate fanbase, the club aims to elevate the profile of women's soccer and challenge attendance records.
The details
Denver Summit FC has put together an impressive inaugural roster, including players like Abby Smith, Ally Brazier, Carson Pickett, Kaleigh Kurtz, and Janine Sonis. The biggest splash is the addition of star forward Lindsey Heaps, who will join the squad later this season. Leading the team is manager Nick Cushing, who brings a championship pedigree from his time with Manchester City in the WSL and New York City FC in MLS.
- Denver Summit FC will make its debut at the Coachella Valley Invitational preseason tournament on February 15 and 21.
- The team's inaugural home opener at Empower Field is scheduled for March 28 against the Washington Spirit.
- In July 2026, Denver Summit FC will move into their own Centennial Stadium, which will serve as their home for the remainder of the 2026 season and throughout 2027.
The players
Nick Cushing
The head coach of Denver Summit FC, Cushing brings a championship pedigree to the expansion club after previously serving as the head coach of Manchester City in the WSL and New York City FC in MLS.
Lindsey Heaps
A star forward who will join the Denver Summit FC squad later in the 2026 season, adding significant attacking power to the expansion club's roster.
Jen Millet
The president of Denver Summit FC, Millet has noted the community's enthusiastic response to the new team, with ticket sales already surpassing 40,000 for the inaugural home opener.
What they’re saying
“There is nothing more powerful than a city showing for its team. Crossing the 25,000 mark for the kickoff tells us everything we need to know about what this moment means to Denver.”
— Jen Millet, President, Denver Summit FC (Her Football Hub)
What’s next
The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.
The takeaway
The arrival of Denver Summit FC represents an exciting expansion of the NWSL into a new market, with the club aiming to immediately make an impact both on and off the field. The team's star-studded roster, renowned coach, and passionate fanbase suggest they are poised to challenge attendance records and elevate the profile of women's soccer in the Rocky Mountain region.
