Costs and valuations for sports franchises have skyrocketed over the last few years, and that is especially true in women’s sports.
The latest example is the $110 million expansion fee paid by a Denver-based group for the NWSL’s 16th franchise. That’s the largest expansion fee ever in US women’s sports history and more than twice the $53 million Bay FC and Boston paid to acquire their franchises.
News of the deal first surfaced in early January, but last week Thursday, the league officially approved it and the Denver team will begin play in 2026.
The Denver team ownership group will be led by IMA Financial Group chairman Rob Cohen and Project Level, a subsidiary of Ariel Investments.
The latter is led by Mellody Hobson and former Washington Commanders president Jason Wright.
Hobson, who is married to Star Wars creator George Lucas, is a successful executive who is also part of the ownership group that bought the Denver Broncos back in 2022 for a then-record $4.6 billion.
Per CNBC Sports, Cohen will serve as controlling owner and governor and Hobson will be the alternate governor.
“As the NWSL continues its rapid growth, we knew it was critical to launch our 16th team in a city with a passionate sports culture and vibrant fan base, and Denver is the perfect match,” said Jessica Berman, Commissioner of the NWSL, in the latest release.
Denver beat out Cleveland and Cincinnati for the team.
