Denver Lacks Women's Pro Sports Teams

City awaits WNBA and PWHL expansion opportunities

Mar. 16, 2026 at 11:04pm

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Despite the recent launch of a new women's soccer team and potential WNBA expansion, Denver currently does not have a professional women's basketball (WNBA) or women's hockey (PWHL) franchise. The city's lack of these top-tier women's sports teams has raised questions about the factors behind this absence and the prospects for future expansion.

Why it matters

The absence of WNBA and PWHL teams in Denver is notable given the city's strong sports culture and fan base, as well as the growing popularity of women's professional sports leagues across the country. The lack of these teams represents a missed opportunity to showcase elite female athletes and provide more avenues for women's sports participation and viewership in the region.

The details

Denver is one of the largest metropolitan areas in the United States without a WNBA or PWHL franchise. Factors that may be contributing to this include the city's existing focus on major men's professional sports teams, the challenges of securing suitable arena space and financing for new women's franchises, and the strategic expansion plans of the WNBA and PWHL leagues themselves.

  • The WNBA last expanded in 2022, adding teams in Toronto and Mexico City.
  • The PWHL has not expanded since its founding in 2015.

The players

WNBA

The Women's National Basketball Association is the premier professional women's basketball league in the world, featuring 12 teams across the United States.

PWHL

The Premier Women's Hockey League is the top professional women's ice hockey league in North America, with 6 teams currently.

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What’s next

The WNBA has indicated it plans to continue expanding in the coming years, potentially providing an opportunity for Denver to secure a franchise. Similarly, the PWHL has expressed interest in growing the league, though no specific timeline for expansion has been announced.

The takeaway

Denver's lack of WNBA and PWHL teams highlights the ongoing challenges in growing women's professional sports, even in major markets with passionate sports fans. Securing these franchises could provide a significant boost to women's athletics in the region and serve as a catalyst for greater participation and visibility of female athletes.