On 13 March , the NWSL will commence its 14th regular season as the pre-eminent league in the United States. For the first time in its history, it will do so with 16 teams. That is double the number from the inaugural season in 2013 and a rapid rise from the nine teams that played out the 2020 campaign.
There is an inevitable aura of excitement surrounding the latest expansion as new opportunities for fans and players acceleratein an aspirational league. Halfway through the NWSL’s 13th regular season – which resumes this weekend after a prolonged summer pause – how are the expansion clubs, new and old, holding up?
Denver Summit, the league’s 16th franchise, had a much smoother brand launch, but remain behind in their on-field product. The branding for the Colorado franchise was revealed last week with a name and identity that nods toward lofty visions and their home. The main logo features a mountain, with a secondary logo that lauds the city’s elevation at 5,280 feet above sea level. The news dropped alongside a video billing: “Denver, a city built for the climb”, with a montage of Colorado mountains, cityscapes and football action.
While they have yet to announce any signings, Denver have opted for intra-league experience among their staff. They brought on Jen Millet from the 2024 expansion club Bay FC as their president and named Curt Johnson, who brings years of experience from the front office of North Carolina Courage, as their general manager. They have yet to announce a head coach.
As part of their brand launch, Millet said the public would hear about players “soon” and noted the incredible breadth of native Colorado talent they may try to lure back to their home state. Colorado has long been a youth talent hotbed, with USWNT stars such as Lindsey Heaps, Mallory Swanson and Sophia Wilson all hailing from the Centennial State. As for a head coach, Millet said “That’s also coming soon. Probably in the next few weeks.”
Notably, Denver hopes to replicate the success of Kansas City’s purpose-built, women’s stadium with a home of their own. Their planned 14,500-capacity venue is on track to open for the 2028 season. Boston Legacy will play their inaugural season at Gillette Stadium, the home of the MLS side New England Revolution, but the NWSL team are renovating the White Stadium in Boston with hopes of playing there in 2027. They will share White Stadium with the school district Boston Public Schools.
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