Peyton Manning joins Denver NWSL franchise ownership

June 4, 2025

Hall of Fame quarterback Peyton Manning has joined the ownership group of the Denver NWSL expansion franchise that will begin play next year. Manning is a five-time NFL MVP and a two-time Super Bowl champion who played his final four seasons with the Denver Broncos, retiring in 2016 shortly after leading the team to a Super Bowl title.

His five league MVP awards is also a record. Manning was elected to the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2021.

“Peyton’s legacy as a champion and a leader is second to none,” Denver NWSL controlling owner Rob Cohen said in a statement. “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.”

Since retiring, Manning has gone into the media and production space. “Monday Night Football with Peyton and Eli” [Manning, his brother and former NFL quarterback] airs on ESPN and has won multiple Sports Emmy awards.

Eli Manning is a minority investor in Gotham FC.

Denver NWSL also recently announced two-time Olympic champion Alpine skier Mikaela Shiffrin as part of its ownership group.

Cohen is a Colorado-based insurance executive who leads the ownership group. Other investors include Ariel Investments’ Project Level, led by president and co-CEO Mellody Hobson, and Molly Coors of the Coors family that once held ownership in MLB’s Colorado Rockies.

Jon-Erik Borgen, Kaia Borgen Moritz, Neelima Joshi, Dhiren Jhaver are also investors in the franchise. espn