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Pro Football Hall of Famer Peyton Manning purchased an ownership stake in Denver's National Women's Soccer League expansion team, controlling owner Rob Cohen announced on Tuesday (June 3) via the Associated Press.
Manning joins two-time Olympic gold medal ski racer Mikaela Shiffrin as an investor for the club, which will make its debut next season as NWSL's 16th team.
“It’s a real honor to be part of something so meaningful to the Colorado community,” Manning said of joining Denver NWSL in a news release obtained by the Associated Press. “I’m proud to support the growth of women’s sports and excited to help build a club that our city and our state can rally behind.”
Manning is the latest NFL star to invest in a NWSL franchise, following his brother, Eli, who has an ownership stake in Gotham FC and Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes, who has a stake in the KC Current. The five-time NFL MVP and two-time Super Bowl champion has made numerous investments since his retirement in 2016, which most notably includes launching his sports and media company Omaha Productions.
“Peyton’s legacy as a champion and a leader is second to none,” Cohen said. “His impact on Colorado sports is unmatched, and we’re incredibly proud to have him as a partner. He brings passion, insight, and deep local roots — all of which will help us shape the future of Denver NWSL.”