Mikaela Shiffrin, a two-time Olympic gold medalist and the most decorated alpine skier in history, has joined the ownership group of Denver's new National Women's Soccer League (NWSL) expansion team. The team, awarded to Denver in January 2025, is set to begin play in the 2026 season.

Shiffrin, a Colorado native, expressed her enthusiasm for contributing to her home state's sports culture and supporting the growth of women's sports. "I'm beyond thrilled to join the ownership group of Denver NWSL and support something so meaningful in the community I call home," she said.

The Denver NWSL team plans to build a 14,500-seat soccer-specific stadium at Santa Fe Yards in Denver's Baker neighborhood, expected to be completed in 2028. In the interim, the team will utilize a temporary 12,000-seat stadium and training facility located in Centennial, Colorado, for the first two seasons.

The ownership group is led by Rob Cohen, CEO of IMA Financial Group, and includes notable investors such as Mellody Hobson and Jason Wright. Cohen highlighted Shiffrin's addition to the group, stating, "Mikaela's commitment to excellence, her global impact, and her deep Colorado roots make her a perfect addition to our ownership team."

The NWSL awarded the franchise to Denver in January 2025, with the ownership group paying a record $110 million expansion fee to secure the team. This fee is more than double the previous record of $53 million paid by Bay FC, underscoring the growing investment and interest in women's professional sports.

Shiffrin's involvement aligns with a trend of high-profile athletes investing in women's sports, aiming to elevate the profile and support for female athletes. This movement not only promotes gender equality in athletics but also inspires young female athletes by providing them with role models who are actively involved in advancing women's professional sports.

The establishment of a professional women's soccer team in Denver is poised to enrich the local sports culture, offering fans new opportunities to engage with and support women's sports. The substantial investment in the team and facilities signifies a broader trend of increasing financial support and recognition for women's professional athletics.

As the team prepares for its inaugural season in 2026, the involvement of prominent figures like Shiffrin is expected to draw significant attention and support, potentially setting a precedent for future investments in women's sports nationwide.