NFL legend and two-time Super Bowl champion Peyton Manning is adding another accomplishment to his list: team owner. He has joined the ownership group for the National Women`s Soccer League (NWSL) expansion team based in Denver, which is slated to begin play in 2026. Manning, who wrapped up his illustrious career with a four-season tenure with the Denver Broncos, becomes the latest prominent figure to invest in women`s professional soccer, following in the footsteps of his brother, Eli Manning, a minority owner of Gotham FC.
“It is a genuine honor to be associated with something so impactful for the Colorado community,” stated Peyton Manning in a press release. “I am proud to contribute to the growth of women`s sports and enthusiastic about helping establish a club that our city and state can strongly support.”
Peyton Manning integrates into a growing and varied ownership collective for the Denver NWSL franchise, spearheaded by controlling owner Rob Cohen. The group includes other investors such as Ariel Investments` Project Level, Jon-Erik Borgen, Kaia Borgen Moritz, Neelima Joshi, Dhiren Jhaveri, Molly Coors, and Olympic gold medalist Mikaela Shiffrin. The ownership group has articulated a clear objective of building one of the most inclusive and community-oriented clubs within professional soccer.
The Denver franchise was formally awarded in January 2025, marked by a record expansion fee totaling $110 million. The team`s initial plan is to play at a temporary 12,000-seat venue located in Centennial, with expectations for a permanent 14,500-seat stadium in Denver to be completed by 2028.
“Peyton`s reputation as a champion and a leader is second to none,” commented Cohen in the release. “His influence on sports in Colorado is unparalleled, and we are incredibly fortunate to have him as a partner. He brings passion, insightful perspectives, and strong local connections – all vital components that will aid us in shaping the future of Denver NWSL.”
Since his retirement from the NFL in 2016, Peyton Manning has maintained a significant presence in the sports and entertainment sphere. He is the founder of Omaha Productions, the company behind the widely acclaimed `ManningCast` alternative broadcasts on ESPN. He has also become a frequent face on television through various hosting and endorsement roles. Furthermore, Manning has remained engaged with football by mentoring emerging quarterbacks and participating in league activities, while simultaneously broadening his involvement in business ventures and philanthropic endeavors.
