Peyton Manning joins ownership group for Denver NWSL team: What to know
Peyton Manning joins ownership group for Denver NWSL team: What to know
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NWSL adds Denver as 16th franchise after record expansion fee
The National Women's Soccer League announced Denver as its 16th franchise on Thursday after ownership paid a record $110 million fee.
Straight Arrow News
Peyton Manning might be known for Omaha, but his influence in Denver reigns supreme.
The former Denver Broncos quarterback has joined the ownership group for the city's National Women's Soccer League franchise, which is set to begin play in 2026.
Despite 13 seasons with the Indianapolis Colts, it's Manning's final four NFL seasons with the Broncos that seem to be the lasting image. The quarterback has remained involved with the organization in his post-playing days, serving an an ambassador for the franchise.
The five-time NFL MVP and two-time Super Bowl champion, who lives in the area, makes frequent appearances at Broncos' games, deepening his connection to the city. Of course, he's also remained busy in other ventures since hanging up the cleats.
Manning has furthered his media and business influence post-career through Omaha Productions and the "Manningcast" on "Monday Night Football" during select games throughout the NFL season.
Now he can add the NWSL to that list. Here's what to know about Manning's dive into women's sports:
NWSL Denver owners
Denver's NWSL ownership group is led by controlling owner, Rob Cohen.
Manning joins a lengthy list of investors including, Ariel Investments' Project Level, Jon-Erik Borgen, Kaia Borgen Moritz, Neelima Joshi, Dhiren Jhaveri, Molly Coors, and Olympic gold medalist skier Mikaela Shiffrin.
NWSL EXPANSION: Mikaela Shiffrin joins ownership group for Denver franchise
'Peyton's legacy as a champion and a leader is second to none,' 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.'
The future team hasn't unveiled a name or branding, meaning Manning is getting in on the ground floor of this operation.
'It's a real honor to be part of something so meaningful to the Colorado community,' Manning said in the team's announcement. 'I'm proud to support the growth of women's sports and excited to help build a club that our city and our state can rally behind.'
This will be Manning's first venture into owning a sports team. His brother, Eli Manning, is a minority investor in Gotham FC.
Peyton Manning investments
Manning hasn't faded into the sunset following retirement from football. If anything, his profile has only grown over time with an expanding investment and sponsorship portfolio.
Commonly seen on Nationwide Insurance commercials, Manning is certainly familiar with the commercial game.
However, he is likely best-known at this stage for his media company, Omaha Productions, which has expanded it's NFL profile in recent years.
The production company behind the Netflix series "Quarterback" and "Receiver," they have also had a hand in other documentaries, unscripted shows and podcasts.
Aside from media, Manning recently invested in Good Good Golf, which sells performance golfwear. He previously was part of investments into Whistle Sports, SeatGeek and more.
Peyton Manning NFL stats
Manning played 17 seasons in the NFL after he was drafted No. 1 overall in the 1998 NFL Draft by the Indianapolis Colts.
The Tennessee Volunteers' prospect went on to accomplish just about everything there is in the NFL, racking up accolades all the way until his final season in 2015 – when he retired after winning the Super Bowl.
Manning was inducted into the NFL Hall of Fame in 2021, immortalizing a career that saw him selected to the Pro Bowl 14 times, become an All-Pro seven times, win two Super Bowls, a Super Bowl MVP, two-time Offensive Player of the Year, Comeback Player of the Year and a five-time NFL MVP.
He finished his career with 186-79 record, throwing for 71,940 yards, 539 touchdowns and 251 interceptions.
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