Denver will join the National Women’s Soccer League in 2026 as the league’s 16th franchise, secured with a record $110 million expansion fee. IMA Financial Group chairman Rob Cohen and Project Level, a subsidiary of Ariel Investments, lead the ownership group. Cohen will be the controlling owner, with Hobson as the alternate governor. The team has yet to announce its home venue, but plans include a central location with mass transit access and a purpose-built women’s soccer facility. Denver beat out Cleveland and Cincinnati for the franchise, marking a major milestone for professional women’s soccer.