⛷️ Mikaela Shiffrin, the most decorated alpine skier in history and a double Olympic champion, is making a significant off-slope investment by joining the ownership group of the Denver National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) expansion team. This move cements her commitment to the growth of women’s professional sports in her home state of Colorado, where the team is set to make its highly anticipated debut in the 2026 season.
🏔️ A Home State Investment
Shiffrin, a Colorado native, expressed her profound enthusiasm for the new venture, viewing it as more than just a financial opportunity. “I’m beyond thrilled to join the ownership group of Denver NWSL and support something so meaningful in the community I call home,” she stated.
Her connection to the team runs deep, tied to the state’s vibrant athletic identity. “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 commented. By investing in the Denver team, the skiing icon is directly helping to bridge the gap between Colorado’s renowned winter sports heritage and the rapidly expanding professional women’s football landscape.
🤝 Honoring the Momentum of Women’s Sports
The decision to invest reflects a broader cultural appreciation for the current momentum driving women’s athletics. Shiffrin recognizes the gravity of bringing top-tier professional women’s soccer to the region. “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,” she explained.
Her excitement is palpable as she anticipates supporting the local squad, proclaiming, “Shout out to the city of Denver—I’m so excited to support the home team!” This move positions Shiffrin as a major figure in advocating for female athletes, leveraging her star power to boost the visibility and financial viability of the NWSL.
📈 The NWSL Expansion Race
Denver NWSL is scheduled to enter the league in 2026 alongside Boston Legacy FC, expanding the total number of top-flight USA women’s football clubs to 16. This continuous growth underscores the NWSL’s surging popularity and its ability to attract high-profile investors and world-class talent. The league currently features global stars and Olympic medallists such as Trinity Rodman, Kailen Sheridan, and Marta, ensuring a high level of competition for the new Denver franchise.
The investment by Shiffrin further legitimizes the NWSL as a premier sports property. As the team gears up for its inaugural season, the backing of a legendary figure like Shiffrin will undoubtedly energize the local fan base and attract even more attention to the club’s development and future successes.
🔗 Following a Familiar Path
Shiffrin is not the first American skiing star to venture into women’s football ownership. Her compatriot, three-time Olympic medallist Lindsey Vonn, has previously made similar investments, becoming part of the ownership group at Utah Royals FC in March 2024, following an earlier investment in Angel City FC.
This pattern suggests a shared commitment among elite female athletes to reinvest in the ecosystem of women’s professional sports. By joining the ownership ranks, Shiffrin and Vonn are actively contributing to the infrastructure that supports future generations of female athletes, transforming themselves from competitors into key stakeholders in the movement toward greater equity and recognition in sports. Shiffrin’s investment marks a pivotal moment for Denver sports and the NWSL’s continued national expansion.