Denver Summit FC

What Denver Summit FC does

Denver Summit FC is a professional women's soccer club competing in the National Women's Soccer League (NWSL) as the league's 16th franchise, having paid a $110 million expansion fee and beginning play in the 2026 season. The club is privately held and headquartered in Denver's Lower Downtown (LoDo) district at 1550 Wynkoop Street (Mercantile Square), with controlling owner Rob Cohen and a broader investor group that includes former NFL quarterback Peyton Manning and Ariel Investments' Project Level Fund. The club serves Colorado sports fans, corporate partners seeking association with women's sports, and the broader NWSL viewing audience via multi-platform broadcast distribution (CBS, ESPN, Paramount+, NWSL+, Prime Video, ION, Scripps/The Spot Denver 3, and Spanish-language La Invasora radio).

The club's core product portfolio includes single-match and season tickets (season inventory sold out with a waitlist for 2026), group tickets, premium suites (8- and 12-person), fieldside and club seating, the Club 5280 fan membership, and official merchandise including the inaugural Evergreen Kit and Snow Kit. Operations are anchored by the CommonSpirit Performance Center, a 20,000-square-foot training facility in Centennial, Colorado featuring two natural grass pitches, one artificial turf pitch (with FIFA World Cup-grade sod), a state-of-the-art gym, cryotherapy chamber, hydrotherapy pools, and sauna. The club utilizes a three-venue home strategy for the inaugural season: Empower Field at Mile High (record-setting 63,004-fan opener), DICK'S Sporting Goods Park (interim through the World Cup break), and Centennial Stadium (12,000 seats opening July 18, 2026), with a permanent 14,500-seat downtown stadium at Santa Fe Yards targeted for 2028.

Revenue mechanics span ticket sales, naming rights (CommonSpirit Health holds naming rights to the training facility), multi-tier corporate sponsorships (founding partner Canvas Credit Union; official partners Xcel Energy, Safeway, Coca-Cola, University of Denver), merchandise e-commerce via DenverSummitShop.com, local broadcast rights sold to Scripps Sports, and Club 5280 membership subscriptions. The club completed a $40 million private placement bond financing arranged by Mesirow in March 2026, one of the first such capital structures for a women's professional sports team, backed by CommonSpirit Health naming rights payments and institutional investors including MetLife Investment Management. The team is led on the pitch by head coach Nick Cushing, formerly of Manchester City Women, and features USWNT captain Lindsey Heaps as a marquee signing.

Name

Denver Summit FC

Legal name

Denver Football Club

Website

https://denversummitfc.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

2025

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

1–10 employees

Short description

Denver Summit FC is Colorado's professional women's soccer club and the NWSL's 16th franchise, operating live match entertainment, premium hospitality, merchandise, and multi-platform broadcasting from Denver, serving local fans, corporate sponsors, and the national women's soccer audience.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Professional Women's Soccer (NWSL Sports Franchise)

NAICS

Sports Teams and Clubs (711211), Spectator Sports (71121)

SIC

Services-Miscellaneous Amusement & Recreation (7990)

akta.pro primary industry

Association Football (Soccer) Leagues (MPAKAAAA)

akta.pro secondary industry

Sporting Goods & Outdoor Inventory-led Online Retailers (CRAFADAJ)

Keywords

• Professional women's soccer
• NWSL expansion franchise
• Match tickets and season tickets
• Premium suites and VIP seating
• Official team merchandise

Headquarters

HQ city

Denver

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices6 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Infrastructure, Technology or R&D, Supply Chain

Revenue model

1. Ticket Sales: Revenue from season tickets, single match tickets, group tickets, and premium seating including suites. Season tickets sold out for inaugural 2026 season with a waitlist. Single match tickets available across various price points.
2. Naming Rights: CommonSpirit Health holds naming rights for the CommonSpirit Performance Center training facility. This represents a significant ongoing revenue stream and milestone for women's sports financing.
3. Sponsorship and Partnerships: Multiple corporate sponsors including founding partners (CommonSpirit Health, Canvas Credit Union), official partners (Xcel Energy, Safeway, University of Denver, Coca-Cola, etc.), and community partners. Partners receive naming rights, branding, and marketing benefits.
4. Merchandise and Apparel: E-commerce sales through DenverSummitShop.com including kits, apparel, accessories. Official team store with inaugural kit collections (Evergreen Kit, Snow Kit).
5. Broadcasting Rights: Local broadcast rights sold to Scripps Sports for exclusive coverage on Denver7 and The Spot Denver 3. National matches broadcast through NWSL+ and other network partners.
6. Private Investment and Financing: $40 million private placement bond financing arranged by Mesirow, backed by CommonSpirit Health naming rights and institutional investors including MetLife Investment Management. Represents milestone financing for women's sports.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels6 records

Marketing channels8 records

Core offering

Denver Summit FC operates a National Women's Soccer League (NWSL) franchise that delivers live professional women's soccer match entertainment, accompanied by season tickets, single-match tickets, group tickets, premium suites and VIP seating, the Club 5280 fan membership program, and official team merchandise and kits through its online store and physical retail channels.

Product overview

Denver Summit FC operates as a women's professional soccer club competing in the National Women's Soccer League (NWSL). The club's core product portfolio centers on live match entertainment, offering individual match tickets, season ticket packages, and group bookings through Ticketmaster, alongside premium seating and VIP suite experiences at their venues. The team's merchandise operation includes official kits and apparel sold through the club's online store. The club utilizes three venues for home matches: Empower Field at Mile High for the historic inaugural home opener, DICK'S Sporting Goods Park for spring matches, and the new 12,000-seat Centennial Stadium opening July 18, 2026 as the permanent home for 2026-2027. Training operations are anchored by the CommonSpirit Performance Center, a 20,000-square-foot elite facility. The Club 5280 membership program provides fans with discounted tickets and exclusive benefits. Broadcast access is available through multiple platforms including NWSL+, Victory+, Prime Video, CBS/Paramount+, ESPN, and ION.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• Club 5280: Official fan membership program for Denver Summit FC, offering exclusive benefits, discounted tickets, and member-only experiences.
• Summit Evergreen Kit
• Summit Snow Kit
• 14ers Supporters Group
• CommonSpirit Performance Center
• Centennial Stadium

Products and services

• Match Tickets (Single Match) Individual match tickets for NWSL regular season home games, available for purchase through Ticketmaster and the official club app for individual fans attending single matches.
• Season Tickets Full-season ticket packages providing access to all home matches at the team's venues, including priority access to playoff tickets for dedicated fans. Sold out for inaugural 2026 season with priority waitlist.
• Group Tickets Group ticket packages for 10 or more attendees offering discounted rates and exclusive matchday experiences including Starting XI tunnel walks, Center Circle banner holding, and Warm-Up Watchers pitchside viewing.
• Premium Suites and VIP Seating Premium seating options including 8-person and 12-person suites with all-inclusive food and beverage, parking passes, fieldside seating near the pitch, club seating with midfield views, and loge tables for corporate and VIP guests.
• Club 5280 Membership Official fan membership program offering discounted single-match tickets, priority access to ticket sales, exclusive founding member scarf, merchandise discounts (10-15%), pre-sale access, and member-only events for recurring fan engagement.
• Official Merchandise and Apparel Official club merchandise sold through DenverSummitShop.com and select physical retailers, including inaugural kits (Evergreen Kit and Snow Kit), player collections, apparel for men, women, and youth, and accessories.
• Streaming and Broadcast Access Multi-platform viewing options including NWSL+, Victory+, Prime Video, ION, CBS/Paramount+, CBS Sports Network, ESPN/ESPN Deportes, and The Spot Denver 3 for local broadcast distribution.

Quantifiable outcome

• Record-setting 63,004 fans at inaugural home match, surpassing previous NWSL record by over 20,000
• +2 more outcomes

Named customers5 records

Segments4 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Integration3 records

Feature2 records

Partnerships

15 partnerships are on record, tiered core, minor and flagship.

• REP FitnesscoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 23 June 2026Weight room and gym equipment supplier for CommonSpirit Performance Center. Colorado-based manufacturer founded in 2012 provides industry-leading strength and conditioning equipment supporting player development, injury prevention, and athletic performance.
• KONGminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 2 June 2026Official club partner providing products or services for the organization.
• Hermes WorldwideminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 29 April 2026Official local team transportation partner providing ground transportation logistics for the club.
• Mighty Pine Home ServicesminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 22 April 2026Official HVAC, plumbing and electrical partner for the club's facilities.
• SafewayminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 21 April 2026Official grocery store and partner providing retail and sponsorship support.
• Girls Inc. of Metro DenverminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 18 April 2026Community partnership with nonprofit supporting girls through after-school programming and mentorship. Partnership celebrated at inaugural home opener, providing role models and inspiration for young girls in the community.
• CommonSpirit HealthflagshipStrategic or Co-development Partner · 23 March 2026Naming rights partner for the CommonSpirit Performance Center training facility. CommonSpirit Health also serves as Official Health Care Partner providing primary medical care, physicians, and best-in-class healthcare resources for club athletes. Backing the $40 million private placement financing through naming rights payments, representing milestone deal for women's sports financing.
• Scripps SportscoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ Distributor · 18 December 2025Multi-year agreement for exclusive local broadcast rights to Denver Summit FC's inaugural 2026 season. All non-nationally exclusive matches aired on Denver7 and The Spot Denver 3, expanding Scripps Sports' existing NWSL partnership.
• Goodheart Animal Health CenterminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerOfficial Veterinary Health Hospital partner providing veterinary care services for the club.
• Canvas Credit UnionflagshipStrategic or Co-development PartnerFounding partner of Denver Summit FC, representing commitment to local financial institution partnership supporting the club's launch and operations.
• City of CentennialflagshipStrategic or Co-development PartnerMunicipal partner enabling construction of Centennial Stadium and CommonSpirit Performance Center on city land, representing significant public-private partnership supporting women's sports infrastructure.
• Cherry Creek School DistrictflagshipStrategic or Co-development PartnerEducational partner collaborating on the Centennial Stadium project, with stadium to be downsized after initial seasons to serve CCSD athletics, creating lasting legacy for local youth sports.
• PopulouscoreTechnology or IntegrationGlobal design firm and architecture firm that designed the CommonSpirit Performance Center, bringing world-renowned sports facility design expertise to the project.
• CAA ICONcoreTechnology or IntegrationProject management firm providing expertise for the CommonSpirit Performance Center development, ensuring professional construction oversight.
• Haselden Construction / Barton Malow ConstructioncoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerConstruction partners executing the CommonSpirit Performance Center project, bringing expertise in sports facility construction.

Scale indicators14 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights7 records

Direct peers

• Kansas City Current: NWSL team that recently opened CPKC Stadium, a purpose-built women's pro soccer venue. The most relevant benchmark for Denver Summit FC's Santa Fe Yards stadium economics and matchday-revenue scaling.
• Houston Dash: NWSL team and trade counterpart for the Yazmeen Ryan / Delanie Sheehan acquisition. Compares on NWSL operational economics, player-transfer market behavior, and broadcast-distribution model.
• San Diego Wave FC: NWSL expansion team that began play in 2022. Comparable on greenfield launch dynamics, women's-pro-soccer audience monetization, and early-stage on-field performance trajectory.
• Racing Louisville FC: NWSL franchise and a direct 2026 league opponent of Denver Summit FC. Comparable in league economics, merchandise/sponsorship monetization, and roster-construction scale.
• Bay FC: NWSL expansion team that began play in 2024 — providing the most direct recent blueprint for greenfield launch economics, sponsor build, and venue strategy in women's professional soccer.
• Boston Legacy FC: The other NWSL expansion team beginning play in 2026 alongside Denver Summit FC. As the co-expansion franchise, it represents the closest comparability on launch economics, expansion fee structure, and inaugural-season dynamics.
• Angel City FC: A high-profile, celebrity- and institutional-investor-backed NWSL team (Los Angeles). Comparable ownership structure, premium-sponsorship monetization, and women's-pro-soccer investment thesis; referenced commonly as a valuation benchmark.
• Seattle Reign FC: An established NWSL franchise and direct league peer. Provides comparable on standard-league economics, roster construction, broadcast-distribution revenue, and long-tenured NWSL operating benchmarks.
• Orlando Pride: NWSL franchise and 2026 opponent (first home victory referenced). Comparable on standard NWSL economics, sponsorship mix, and operation against DSFC's broader competitive set.

Broad incumbents

• Colorado Rapids: The Denver-market men's professional soccer team (MLS), playing at DICK'S Sporting Goods Park — a venue DSFC uses for spring matches. Comparable on local soccer-market dynamics, regional broadcast deals, and venue economics.

Market position

Strengths4 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/denversummitfc
• YouTubeyoutube.com/@DenverSummitFC
• Facebookfacebook.com/Denver-Summit-FC-61571653274606
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/denver-summit-fc
• Instagraminstagram.com/denversummit_fc/#
• TikToktiktok.com/@denversummitfc

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles7 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds1 record

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Denver Summit FC