Yet to even launch or make its debut, Denver NWSL just can’t stop cooking. The 16th American league-based franchise continues to make strides with its ambitious projects and remarkable developments, with the latest being an unexpected addition to its ownership group, none other than Mikaela Shiffrin. The decorated alpine skier has officially joined the upcoming expansion team as a part-owner, placing her in direct rivalry with the Lindsey Vonn-backed Utah Royals.

The announcement was made earlier today as both Denver and Shiffrin vocally and excitedly shared the news among their fanbase. Being a Vail, Colorado native, it was only natural for the 101 World Cup victories holder to become a part of her hometown’s roots. “I’m beyond thrilled to join the ownership group of Denver NWSL and support something so meaningful in the community I call home,” said Shiffrin, as compiled by Denver’s official website. “The sport culture in Colorado is rich and deep, and—most notably—the growth of women’s sports is one of the most exciting movements in our culture today.”

While expressing her excitement over the public-private partnerships with Denver, Centennial, and the Cherry Creek School District, Shiffrin highlighted how these collaborations will help deliver state-of-the-art facilities designed specifically for women.

The 2x Olympic Champion insisted that being part of the project and helping bring professional women’s soccer to Colorado is not only an incredible investment opportunity but also both an honor and a joy. “Shout out to the city of Denver—I’m so excited to support the home team!” added the 30-year-old.

How much Shiffrin has invested in Denver NWSL isn’t publicly revealed. Then again, one shall expect her presence to benefit the upcoming expansion team, not only as an iconic American athlete but also as a hardcore advocate of women’s sports.

Her dedication to causes like climate action, mental health, and youth access to sports is evident through her involvement with the Share Winter Foundation and the Jeff Shiffrin Athlete Resiliency Fund—an initiative created in her late father’s honor that offers need-based stipends directly to U.S. Ski & Snowboard athletes to support every aspect of their careers.

This is something that Denver’s controlling owner Rob Cohen understands. “Mikaela’s commitment to excellence, her global impact, and her deep Colorado roots make her a perfect addition to our ownership group,” he said. “We’re building a club with purpose, and having Mikaela’s vision and voice in that journey will be invaluable.”

Notably, before Mikaela Shiffrin joined the ownership group, Denver had officially named Jen Millet as its first-ever employee and team president. Millet previously served as the Chief Operating Officer of another NWSL expansion team, Bay FC. In fact, don’t think that Shiffrin is the only alpine skier that is associated with NWSL. She has already someone waiting for her from next season!

Mikaela Shiffrin brings alpine skiing rivalry to NWSL!

A month ago, it was Lindsey Vonn who made strides in the headlines after making a crucial investment in the Utah Royals. What initially began as a fandom for the NWSL team ended up making her a part-owner of the 14th franchise, shaking hands with club owners Ryan Smith and David Blitzer. “Women in sports is a movement, not a moment!!“, said the former World Cup Alpine Ski Racer.

Expressing that her biggest goal in sports is to empower women, Vonn added, “The path we are paving together will hopefully make the road easier for the ones who come after us.“ Coincidentally but not surprisingly, her viewpoint echoes what Mikaela Shiffrin plans to do for Denver NWSL. Of course, just a year-long wait remains until that happens.

In the meantime, fans can celebrate the fact that both of the alpine skier’s NWSL sides will be facing each other in the 2026 season, igniting a completely different kind of rivalry in the American domestic landscape.