Denver Summit sets NWSL attendance record in home opener

New Colorado team draws over 63,000 fans, while Chicago Stars fall 2-0 in match

Mar. 29, 2026 at 8:45am

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The Denver Summit, a new team in the National Women's Soccer League (NWSL), set a league attendance record with 63,004 fans at their inaugural home game against the Washington Spirit. Meanwhile, the Chicago Stars lost 2-0 in their match.

Why it matters

The record-breaking crowd in Denver highlights the growing popularity of women's professional soccer in the United States, especially for a new expansion team. The attendance figures demonstrate the potential for the NWSL to continue expanding its fanbase and reach.

The details

The Denver Summit, an expansion team that joined the NWSL this season, hosted the Washington Spirit at their new stadium in front of 63,004 fans - the largest crowd ever for an NWSL match. The previous record was 22,000. Meanwhile, the Chicago Stars, another NWSL team, fell 2-0 to an unspecified opponent in their match.

  • The Denver Summit's inaugural home game took place on March 29, 2026.
  • The Chicago Stars' match occurred on the same day, March 29, 2026.

The players

Denver Summit

A new expansion team that joined the National Women's Soccer League (NWSL) in 2026.

Washington Spirit

An NWSL team that played against the Denver Summit in their inaugural home game.

Chicago Stars

An NWSL team that lost 2-0 in their match on the same day.

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What they’re saying

“This is a monumental day for the NWSL and women's soccer in the United States. The incredible turnout in Denver shows the immense appetite for the sport and the growth potential of our league.”

— Jessica Berman, NWSL Commissioner

What’s next

The NWSL will look to build on this record-setting attendance in Denver as it continues to expand the league and grow the fanbase for women's professional soccer across the country.

The takeaway

The Denver Summit's record-breaking home opener demonstrates the surging popularity of the NWSL and women's soccer in the United States, providing optimism for the league's future growth and expansion efforts.