“I can unequivocally tell you: We won’t abandon this project,” was how Denver NWSL CEO Rob Cohen responded after facing initial rejection from the City Council over their ambitious plan to build a $70 million stadium. What once seemed like a dream come true suddenly became uncertain, as the 16th expansion franchise encountered numerous challenges in securing approval for what has been described as the largest investment ever made by a women’s professional team. But Cohen’s optimism ultimately paid off, as we’ve finally received the positive update everyone had been waiting for!

On Monday, the Denver City Council approved not one but two key projects. As per the reports from esteemed columns of 9News, the first major development is the approval to purchase land for Colorado’s upcoming National Women’s Soccer League stadium. This deal would see the city allocate $70 million to acquire the stadium land and other areas of improvement regarding the funds. Meanwhile, the second is the land swap deal involving the Park Hill Golf Course.

Talking about the Colorado team’s project first, the Denver City Council voted 11-1 in favor of an intergovernmental agreement with the Broadway Station Metropolitan District. Of course, this is part of what the upcoming NWSL team plans to do: A 14,500-seater home ground as well as an entertainment and recreational center at Santa Fe Yards, near Broadway and Interstate 25. The overall cost of this operation is between $150 to $200 million.

In the initial meeting, the South Platte River Committee was not willing to approve the idea of allocating such an amount, citing various concerns as global financial constraints and other unfeasible factors. In fact, Denver City Councilwoman Sarah Parady went too far to break the hearts of the Colorado-based team, bluntly saying, “I don’t believe this stadium will ever be built… I wish that I did.”

Eventually, a second meeting was scheduled in the hope of winning over the city council. Somehow, that ended up changing everyone’s mind in the council meeting as now this final call seems to have a motion of confidence of all the members. In fact, they did more than just that, also approving the acquirement of former Park Hill Golf Course at 35th Avenue and Colorado Boulevard in order to convert it into a park.

This idea was also present in January. Now, with the City Council’s approval, Denver will offer Westside Investment Partners 145 acres near DIA, with both properties appraised at around $13 million. But that doesn’t mean everything is sorted. There is still a public hearing and final rezoning vote that has been scheduled for June 2. If everything goes according to plan, this 155-acre preserved open space with future low-cost amenities will become Denver’s fourth-largest park.

Notably, special thanks go to the fans and the Denver public who showed up for Monday’s hearing to voice their support for the project. Their presence was unmistakable, many of them wearing Denver NWSL t-shirts. Either way, this marks a major milestone for the 16th expansion team. Speaking of which, let’s take a look at the other notable developments that the upcoming team has made—or is yet to make.

More development concerning Denver NWSL

Last week, the 16th NWSL franchise announced the addition of renowned American alpine skier Mikaela Shiffrin to their ownership group. A Vail, Colorado native, the 2x Olympic champion had expressed her desire to join a more meaningful sporting community. “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,” she said.

By shaking hands with Denver, Shiffrin also ignites a unique alpine skier rivalry within NWSL as days before her arrival, Lindsey Vonn grabbed headlines with her significant investment in the Utah Royals. But of course, one would have to wait at least until 2026 to see Denver and Utah Royals clash against each other.

In other news, Denver NWSL named Jen Millet as its first-ever employee and team president. She previously held the role of Chief Operating Officer at fellow NWSL expansion club Bay FC. While the upcoming women’s team is making big strides, there’s still plenty of work left to be done—one key task being the launch of the club’s official name.

Regardless, we hope these remaining developments are finalized soon. For now, Denver can celebrate the approval of its ambitious stadium plans.