DENVER (AP) — Olympic gold medalist Mikaela Shiffrin has become part of the ownership group for Denver’s new National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) team, which is set to launch next year.
Shiffrin is an eight-time world champion and two-time Olympic gold medalist. She is considered the most decorated alpine skier in history. Her involvement continues a trend of celebrity athletes investing in NWSL teams. Other notable owners include NBA star James Harden with the Houston Dash, former NFL quarterback Eli Manning with Gotham FC, and actress Natalie Portman with Angel City.
“I’m beyond thrilled to join the ownership group of Denver NWSL and support something so meaningful in the community I call home,” Shiffrin said in a statement Tuesday. “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.”
Denver was awarded the NWSL’s 16th team earlier this year. Boston will also launch a new club alongside Denver next season.
In March, Denver’s owners revealed plans for a new downtown soccer stadium. This venue will be only the league’s second purpose-built stadium for women’s soccer, following the Kansas City Current’s CPKC Stadium, which opened last year.
More recently, Denver’s ownership announced plans for a temporary stadium and training facility in Centennial, Colorado, located southeast of Denver.