One of the most accomplished female athletes in Colorado history is buying into the state’s National Women’s Soccer League future.
Denver NWSL announced Tuesday morning that Mikaela Shiffrin, the most decorated alpine skier of all time, joined the club’s ownership group led by its governor, Rob Cohen.
Shiffrin, who has won two golds and a silver at the Olympic Winter Games on top of 15 medals at the World Championships, holds the record for World Cup wins with 101. She’s also claimed five overall World Cup titles over 15 seasons on the circuit and has been named Colorado Sportswoman of the Year six times.
In a statement, the 30-year-old Vail native said she’s “beyond thrilled to join the ownership group of Denver NWSL and support something so meaningful in the community I call home.”
“The sport culture in Colorado is rich and deep, and — most notably — the growth of women’s sports is one of the most exciting movements in our culture today,” Shiffrin said. “I am very excited about the public-private partnerships with Denver, Centennial and the Cherry Creek school district that will help deliver state-of-the-art facilities designed specifically for women.
“To be part of it, and to help bring professional women’s soccer to Colorado, is not only an incredible investment opportunity — but it is both an honor and a joy.”
The addition of Shiffrin to the ownership group of Denver NWSL, which has yet to announce a name, comes at a pivotal time for the club.
In March, Denver NWSL announced plans for a 14,500-seat stadium and entertainment district at Santa Fe Yards. Nine days later, the club announced a partnership with the city of Centennial and Cherry Creek School District to build a training facility and 12,000-seat modular stadium that will serve as the team’s temporary home.
The permanent stadium in Denver is set for a final decision by Denver City Council on May 12, when the council will decide whether to pass an intergovernmental agreement that calls for the city to invest up to $70 million in the project. If it doesn’t pass, Cohen told the council last month, the team is unlikely to stay in Denver.
In the meantime, Cohen called Shiffrin “a perfect addition to our ownership group” as the club continues to work to get ready for its inaugural season in 2026 as the state’s second women’s pro sports team and first since the Colorado Xplosion of the American Basketball Association from 1996 to ’98.
“We’re building a club with purpose, and having Mikaela’s vision and voice in that journey will be invaluable,” Cohen said.
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