Market Data 
Mikaela Shiffrin, the most decorated Alpine skier in history, has joined the ownership group of Denver’s expansion team in the National Women’s Soccer League.
Two-time Olympic gold medalist and five-time overall World Cup champion Shiffrin is the latest high-profile investor in an NWSL team.
Shiffrin’s former Olympic teammate, Lindsey Vonn, is an investor in the Utah Royals FC, while four-time tennis major champion Naomi Osaka is a part-owner in the North Carolina Courage. Basketball superstars Kevin Durant and Sue Bird are investors in Gotham FC.
The Denver NWSL team, still to be named, is set to begin play next season.
Rob Cohen, Chairman and CEO of IMA Financial Group, Inc., leads the Denver NWSL team’s ownership group. Other investors include Project Level, a group led by Mellody Hobson and former Washington Commanders president Jason Wright, and FirstTracks Sports Ventures LLC.
Cohen is a founding member of the United States Olympic & Paralympic Foundation and most recently was on the Salt Lake City Bid committee which was awarded the Winter Olympic Games for 2034. Cohen will be the team’s controlling owner, and Hobson will serve as alternate governor.
“Mikaela’s commitment to excellence, her global impact, and her deep Colorado roots make her a perfect addition to our ownership group,” Cohen said in a club statement released on Tuesday. “We’re building a club with purpose, and having Mikaela’s vision and voice in that journey will be invaluable.”
Colorado native Shiffrin said she was “beyond thrilled” to join the ownership group 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,” the 30-year-old added.
“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. Shout out to the city of Denver—I’m so excited to support the home team!”
The NWSL chose Denver as the league’s 16th franchise in January. The Athletic reported at that time that the ownership group paid a $110 million expansion fee to join the league.
Denver NWSL is Colorado’s first professional women’s soccer team. The club announced a 12,000-seat temporary stadium and state-of-the-art performance center in Centennial, Colo and has plans to build a permanent home in Denver’s urban core.
The team’s name, crest, colors and brand identity are yet to be announced.
