Pro Football Hall of Famer and two-time Super Bowl winner Peyton Manning is now also a team owner. He has become part of the ownership group for the new Denver NWSL (National Women`s Soccer League) expansion team, which is scheduled to start playing in 2026. Manning, who played his final four NFL seasons with the Denver Broncos, is the newest prominent personality to invest in women`s soccer. His brother, Eli Manning, is already a minority owner of Gotham FC.
“It`s truly an honor to be involved in something so important for the Colorado community,” Manning stated in a press release. He added, “I am proud to back the development of women`s sports and look forward to helping create a club that our city and state can enthusiastically support.”
Peyton Manning joins a diverse and expanding ownership group for the Denver NWSL team, led by controlling owner Rob Cohen. Notable investors also include Project Level from Ariel Investments, Jon-Erik Borgen, Kaia Borgen Moritz, Neelima Joshi, Dhiren Jhaveri, Molly Coors, and Olympic champion skier Mikaela Shiffrin. The ownership group has stated their goal is to establish a professional soccer club that is highly inclusive and strongly connected to the community.
The Denver franchise was officially approved in January 2025, reportedly costing a record $110 million expansion fee. The team intends to start playing in a temporary 12,000-seat facility located in Centennial. A permanent stadium with 14,500 seats is anticipated to open in Denver by 2028.
According to controlling owner Rob Cohen in a release, “Peyton`s history as both a champion and a leader is unparalleled.” Cohen added that Manning`s influence on sports in Colorado is “unmatched” and the group is “incredibly proud” to have him as a partner. He emphasized that Manning contributes “passion, insight, and deep local roots,” factors that will be crucial in shaping the future of the Denver NWSL team.
Since ending his NFL career in 2016, Peyton Manning has maintained a significant presence in the world of sports and entertainment. He established Omaha Productions, known for creating the popular `ManningCast` alternate telecasts for ESPN. Manning is also frequently seen on television, taking on various hosting duties and endorsement deals. Beyond entertainment, he has stayed involved with football by advising young quarterbacks and participating in league functions, while also expanding his business activities and philanthropic efforts.
