Denver Summit FC Debuts with Excitement and Colorado Pride

New NWSL team aims to break attendance records in their inaugural season

Feb. 3, 2026 at 7:47pm

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Denver Summit FC, Colorado's first professional women's sports franchise, held their inaugural media day, showcasing the team's deep local ties and excitement for their upcoming season. With over 40,000 tickets already sold for their home opener at Empower Field, the Summit are poised to challenge the NWSL attendance record. The players, many of whom are Colorado natives, expressed pride in representing their home state and inspiring the next generation of young soccer players.

Why it matters

The launch of Denver Summit FC marks a significant milestone for women's sports in Colorado, providing a new professional platform for female athletes to showcase their talents. The team's strong local support and potential to break attendance records underscores the growing appetite for women's sports in the region.

The details

During the media day event, the Summit players and coaches emphasized the team's focus on building strong chemistry and a positive culture from the ground up as an expansion franchise. Veteran NWSL player Kaleigh Kurtz discussed the importance of weathering the league's "chaos" while celebrating individual and team successes. The players were thrilled to see the team's new Colorado-inspired jersey design, which they believe will resonate with the local fanbase.

  • Denver Summit FC held their inaugural media day on February 4, 2026.
  • The team's first-ever home match is scheduled for March 2026.

The players

Janine Sonis

A Colorado native and defender for Denver Summit FC, who is excited to give back to the community that supported her as a young player.

Jordan Nytes

A Colorado native and goalkeeper for Denver Summit FC, who is thrilled to play in the team's home matches at the iconic Empower Field.

Ally Brazier

A Colorado native and forward for Denver Summit FC, who is amazed to be playing in the same stadium she has driven past countless times.

Kaleigh Kurtz

An 8-year veteran of the NWSL, who is tasked with helping to mold the team's culture and attitude as an expansion franchise.

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What they’re saying

“To be a part of this community and give back to the community that really poured into me as a young person, so much of who I am was built here, to be able to be back and to help build this — I know the Denver community is going to fall in love with this team and I'm so proud to be here.”

— Janine Sonis, Defender (denver7.com)

“It's super exciting that's where we get to play. That's going to be such a special opportunity.”

— Jordan Nytes, Goalkeeper (denver7.com)

“To think that — here I am — and I get to play in it is actually insane to think about. I cannot believe we're here.”

— Ally Brazier, Forward (denver7.com)

“Being able to put a professional women's team here is super awesome for them to have people to look up to and games to attend.”

— Jordan Nytes, Goalkeeper (denver7.com)

“How do you weather the storm, but also celebrate all the little things. When someone is successful, it's the team's success. We have a beautiful culture of sticking together, strong communication, and being ourselves — that way every single person [feels empowered to express] the positive attributes that they got recruited here to show.”

— Kaleigh Kurtz, 8-year NWSL veteran (denver7.com)

What’s next

The team's first-ever home match at Empower Field is scheduled for March 2026, where they will look to challenge the NWSL attendance record.

The takeaway

The launch of Denver Summit FC represents a significant milestone for women's sports in Colorado, providing a new professional platform for female athletes to showcase their talents and inspire the next generation. The team's strong local support and potential to break attendance records underscores the growing appetite for women's sports in the region.