Peyton Manning is venturing into a new arena, inspired by his younger brother Eli. The iconic NFL quarterback has become part of the ownership group for Denver’s forthcoming National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) expansion team, which is set to debut in 2026. Renowned for his tenure with the Denver Broncos, where he secured a Super Bowl title in 2016, Manning’s involvement in women’s soccer highlights an emerging trend of athletes backing and investing in sports outside their primary fields.
Eli Manning has already established his presence in this evolving space, owning a stake in NJ/NY Gotham FC since 2022. The competitive drive appears to resonate deeply within the Manning family, extending from football into soccer.
Although the exact financial details of Manning’s investment in the Denver franchise remain undisclosed, he is joining a distinguished lineup of owners, including Rob Cohen, the chairman and CEO of IMA Financial Group. Other notable names in the ownership group include Mellody Hobson, co-CEO of Ariel Investments, Molly Coors, and Olympic gold medalist Mikaela Shiffrin, known for her achievements in alpine skiing. This varied ensemble signifies not merely a financial stake, but a commitment to nurturing a vibrant sporting culture in Denver.
As Manning expressed, “It’s a real honor to be part of something so meaningful to the Colorado community. I’m proud to support the growth of women’s sports and excited to help build a club that our city and our state can rally behind.” His enthusiasm echoes a broader sentiment in the realm of sports—one where support for women’s athletics is gaining momentum, illustrating the potential for growth and evolution.
Since retiring in 2016, Manning has not faded from the spotlight. He has established a significant presence in the media landscape with his company Omaha Productions, which CNBC recently valued at an impressive $750 million, greatly attributed to the success of shows such as *Monday Night Football with Peyton and Eli*, showcasing his talent for engaging fans in innovative ways.
The forthcoming Denver NWSL team represents more than just a new entry; it’s part of a larger trend, with both Denver and Boston set to join the league, bringing its total to 16 teams. While the club name and branding are yet to be revealed, fans can anticipate the team playing in a temporary 12,000-seat stadium in Centennial for its initial two seasons. Plans are already underway for a more substantial, 14,500-seat facility to be located in the Sante Fe Yards entertainment district, projected to open in 2028.
The announcement of this expansion was significant; the ownership group, spearheaded by Cohen, acquired the team for an astounding $110 million. This amount more than doubled the previous NWSL record, marking it as the highest expansion fee in the history of women’s sports in the U.S. and emphasizing the increasing respect and investment in women’s athletics.
Manning’s decision goes beyond a mere business initiative; it signifies a dedication to promoting women’s sports and engaging with a community eager for progress. As anticipation builds for the 2026 season, fans have much to look forward to—not just in soccer, but as part of a larger movement advocating for inclusivity and recognition of women in sports.
Image Source: Peyton Manning @ Instagram
