Full Breakdown
Denver's Pursuit of Women's Professional Sports Teams: A Venue Challenge
3/17/2026, 11:34:37 AM
Growing Interest in Women's Sports
Denver has demonstrated a significant appetite for women's professional sports, highlighted by a recent sellout crowd of over 15,000 fans at Ball Arena for a neutral-site Professional Women’s Hockey League (PWHL) game between Minnesota and New York. This turnout has prompted city leaders and investors to recognize the potential for a local team in both the PWHL and the Women's National Basketball Association (WNBA). Denver Mayor Mike Johnston noted the strong demand from residents for women's sports, stating, “We know there’s a huge appetite for women’s sports here.”
Venue Limitations Hindering Expansion
Despite the evident enthusiasm, key hurdles remain, particularly concerning venue availability. Rob Cohen, a member of the ownership group for Denver's new National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) franchise and a proponent for a WNBA team, emphasized that scheduling conflicts at Ball Arena pose a significant challenge. The arena is primarily occupied by the Colorado Avalanche, Denver Nuggets, and Mammoth, alongside a busy concert schedule, limiting the potential for additional professional teams.
Potential alternative venues, such as the University of Denver’s Magness Arena and the Denver Coliseum, were considered but did not meet league expectations. Cohen remarked, “I don’t think they loved either of those sites,” indicating that while they were not outright rejected, they lacked the necessary facilities and infrastructure.
League Perspectives on Denver's Viability
The PWHL has acknowledged Denver's strong attendance as a positive indicator for potential expansion. In a statement, the league highlighted that factors such as local hockey community strength, demonstrated fan interest, and venue quality are critical in evaluating new markets. The PWHL noted the palpable energy during the recent game as evidence of Denver's capacity to support a professional team.
Cohen expressed optimism about Denver's potential, asserting, “I do believe that Denver is a market that can support it. I believe Denver deserves it, and should have it.” However, he also acknowledged that other cities had more developed proposals during the WNBA expansion process, suggesting that Denver was not as close to securing a team as hoped.
Future Prospects and Community Engagement
City leaders are exploring long-term solutions to the venue issue, with plans for the redevelopment of the National Western Complex, which includes replacing the aging coliseum with a new arena. Mayor Johnston indicated that community feedback is being sought to shape this project, although no funding has yet been allocated.
As discussions continue with both the WNBA and PWHL, the future of women's professional sports in Denver remains uncertain but hopeful. The city is in the early stages of conversations with both leagues, aiming to address the venue challenges that currently impede the establishment of local teams.
