For Denver FC launches bid for professional women's soccer team

The GIST: Women’s soccer could be Gone to Denver. Colorado native and former NWSL player, Jordan Angeli, is leading an investment group’s bid for a professional women’s soccer team, with hopes to kick off in the women’s soccer hub of Colorado by 2026.

The details: The interested group is called For Denver FC, with FC standing for “For Colorado.” Angeli is joined by the founder of Parsyl Inc. Ben Hubbard and Tom Dunmore, a sports executive with soccer, cricket, and motorsports experience.

• In addition to more investors, the group is looking to secure a stadium deal and a site for training facilities. For Denver FC expects to submit an expansion bid by the end of 2023.

The market: The group is making moves while the Denver sports market is booming. The Mile High City is becoming Championship City — the NHL’s Colorado Avalanche and the NBA’s Denver Nuggets both won their respective league championships within the last 14 months.

• Interestingly, Denver is one of the few major cities without any pro women's sports, despite having five major men’s teams. Cue Lizzo.

The options: For Denver FC is considering either an NWSL or USL bid. The USL recently announced its intention to launch the USL Super League by 2024, a top-tier women’s league that could compete with the NWSL. Depending on timing, For Denver FC has a chance at joining either organization.

• Securing a USL bid would give the franchise an opportunity to build from the ground up, while entering the NWSL would offer established resources and credibility.

• Entry fees are also another potential factor — the two, yet-to-be-decided 2026 NWSL expansion teams will fork up around $50M to enter the league, while USL Super League fees are expected to be smaller.

The women’s soccer trend: No matter which league For Denver FC ultimately chooses to bid for, this is just another example of women’s soccer commanding huge interest in the U.S. As the sport — and women’s sports in general — grows, the major American sports markets will need to keep up. Stay tuned, Denver.