Legendary NFL quarterback Peyton Manning, a Pro Football Hall of Famer, is expanding his career into sports ownership. The two-time Super Bowl winner has become part of the ownership team for the new NWSL expansion club in Denver, which is scheduled to begin playing in 2026. Manning, known for concluding his playing career with the Denver Broncos, joins the growing list of prominent figures investing in women`s soccer, notably following his brother Eli Manning`s investment in Gotham FC.
In a statement, Peyton Manning expressed his honor in joining a project significant to the Colorado community. He stated his pride in backing the advancement of women`s sports and his enthusiasm for helping create a team that Denver and the entire state can enthusiastically support.
Manning integrates into a diverse and expanding ownership collective for the Denver NWSL team, headed by majority owner Rob Cohen. The investor list features notable names such as Ariel Investments’ Project Level, Jon-Erik Borgen, Kaia Borgen Moritz, Neelima Joshi, Dhiren Jhaveri, Molly Coors, and Olympic champion Mikaela Shiffrin. This ownership group has articulated a goal to establish one of professional soccer`s most community-focused and inclusive clubs.
The Denver franchise was officially granted its place in the league in January 2025, marked by a record-setting expansion fee of $110 million. Plans indicate the team will commence play at a temporary facility in Centennial with a 12,000-seat capacity, anticipating a permanent 14,500-seat stadium in Denver to be ready by 2028.
Rob Cohen, the controlling owner, commented on Manning`s involvement, stating in the release, “Peyton`s status as both a champion and a leader is unparalleled.” Cohen added that Manning`s influence on sports in Colorado is unique and expressed immense pride in him joining as a partner. He noted that Manning contributes passion, valuable insights, and significant ties to the local community, all of which will be instrumental in shaping the trajectory of the Denver NWSL team.
Since concluding his NFL career in 2016, Peyton Manning has maintained a highly visible presence in both sports and entertainment. He established Omaha Productions, known for successful ventures like the `ManningCast` alternate broadcasts on ESPN, and frequently appears on television in hosting and endorsement capacities. Manning continues to engage with the sport by mentoring up-and-coming quarterbacks and participating in league events, concurrently broadening his portfolio in business and charitable activities.
