Jeff Caschell
The National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) has officially announced its 16th team, now called Denver Summit FC. This name was a top choice among both ownership groups and fans who participated in a voting process for various options over the last few months.
Jen Millett, the team’s president, humorously noted that they could finally stop referring to the franchise as “Denver NWSL” after its announcement in January. The team’s branding heavily emphasizes the mountains, reflecting Colorado’s iconic Rocky Mountain landscape.
The team’s emblem features a green mountain tilted at a 26-degree angle, representing the year they will take the field—2026. It also incorporates elements like snowflakes beneath a red sky and an orange sun.
Though “Denver Summit” triumphed over names like Denver Peak FC and Colorado 14ers FC, the final choice was made by the team’s executives rather than the fan voting options, which did include “Colorado Summit FC.”
Millett emphasized the significance of constructing a 14,500-seat stadium scheduled to open in 2028, highlighting that Denver’s name affirms the team’s local roots as it will be the only stadium built explicitly for the NWSL.
“With ‘Denver’ in the name, we’re creating the second team in the NWSL to have a purpose-built stadium. We want to honor Denver and ensure everyone knows the club is situated here,” said Millett.
“City Stadium feels like a great idea for us.”
The naming decision aims to resonate locally, in contrast to the mixed reception Boston’s new team name received earlier this year when they were initially branded as BOS Nation FC.
While Killett, who was closely involved in Denver’s naming process, was not part of Boston’s early discussions, she noted that their paths and experiences could only enhance future collaborations within the league.
“This ownership group sees this club as a community treasure,” Millett stated. “They truly want to respect the move that brought the team here, and gathering community voices was essential in getting the name right.”
Denver Summit FC actively engaged with fans beyond just the name selection, keeping the vibrant deep green from their temporary branding based on supporter feedback. The colors draw inspiration from classic Colorado license plates and reinforce the team’s local identity.
Interestingly, both Boston and Denver opted for green in their branding, which has not traditionally been a dominant color in the league’s history.
The team’s coat of arms also nods to Colorado’s famous red rock formations, including those near Denver.
Killett, with past experience at the Golden State Warriors, expressed eagerness to witness fan reactions. “The ultimate win for me is knowing that the fans who played a role in bringing this club to life feel proud to wear our gear. That’s what truly matters,” Millett concluded.
Fan Take: The introduction of Denver Summit FC is significant not only for Colorado soccer fans but also for the NWSL, as it demonstrates a commitment to community involvement in team identity. A well-integrated local franchise could foster greater interest and support for women’s soccer, ultimately helping to grow the sport at all levels.
