Summit acquire Yazmeen Ryan, Delanie Sheehan from Dash

Denver Summit FC adds veteran NWSL players in $1 million trade

Mar. 19, 2026 at 11:25pm

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Denver Summit FC has acquired forwards Yazmeen Ryan and midfielder Delanie Sheehan from the Houston Dash in exchange for $1 million in funds, including $800,000 in intra-league transfer funds and $200,000 in expansion allocation funds. The Dash will also receive $150,000 in allocation funds from Denver, along with up to $200,000 in conditional transfer funds.

Why it matters

This trade represents a significant investment by the expansion Summit club as they build their roster ahead of their inaugural 2026 NWSL season. Ryan and Sheehan bring valuable NWSL experience and a proven track record of success to the Summit, helping to establish the team as a contender in their first year.

The details

Ryan, 27, posted four goals and three assists in 25 games with Houston from 2025-26, while the 27-year-old Sheehan had one goal and two assists in 26 games for the Dash in 2025. Both players previously played for Gotham FC, with Ryan also spending time with the Portland Thorns.

  • The trade was announced by both teams on Thursday, March 19, 2026.

The players

Yazmeen Ryan

A 27-year-old forward who has played for the Houston Dash, Gotham FC, and the Portland Thorns in her NWSL career.

Delanie Sheehan

A 27-year-old midfielder who has played for the Houston Dash and Gotham FC in the NWSL.

Curt Johnson

The general manager of the Denver Summit FC expansion team.

Angela Hucles Mangano

The president of the Houston Dash.

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What they’re saying

“We are thrilled to add both Yazmeen and Delanie to our group. Delanie brings a wealth of NWSL experience to our midfield, while Yazmeen is a proven attacking threat who is extremely versatile. Both players have won trophies and had tremendous NWSL careers. They will immediately help us both on and off the field.”

— Curt Johnson, General Manager, Denver Summit FC

“We appreciate everything Yazmeen and Delanie contributed during their time in Houston. They brought a veteran presence during a transition period that paved the foundation for the team we have today and we wish them the best as they begin a new chapter in their careers. We did not anticipate this move at the start of the year, but it creates an opportunity for us to invest in players and resources that support our long-term vision and our ambition for the season ahead.”

— Angela Hucles Mangano, President, Houston Dash

What’s next

The Summit will continue to build their roster ahead of their inaugural 2026 NWSL season, while the Dash will look to reinvest the funds from the trade into players and resources to support their long-term vision.

The takeaway

This trade highlights the growing competitiveness of the NWSL as expansion teams like the Summit are willing to make significant investments to acquire proven veteran talent to build a contending roster from the start. It also showcases the Dash's willingness to make tough decisions to position the team for long-term success, even if it means parting with key contributors.