NWSL Denver announces NFL Hall of Famer Peyton Manning as newest member of club's ownership group

Hall of Fame NFL quarterback Peyton Manning may be more well known for his time with the Indianapolis Colts, but he still has strong ties to the city of Denver, where he finished out his career.

NWSL Denver announced Manning as the newest member of its ownership group Tuesday. Team controller owner Rob Cohen said the group was "incredibly proud to have" Manning as a partner.

Peyton's legacy as a champion and a leader is second to none," said Cohen. 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."

Manning also issued a statement, saying he was, "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."

Denver was announced as an NWSL expansion team in January. The team - which does not have a name yet - will begin playing in 2026.

Manning is not the only athlete to be part of the club's ownership group. Skier Mikaela Shiffrin was announced as part of the club's ownership group in May.

With the move, Manning joins his brother - former New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning - in the NWSL. Eli is listed as an investor with Gotham FC, New York's NWSL team.

Peyton teased his addition to Denver's ownership group with a short, humorous video featuring Eli.

THERE'S A NEW SHERIFF IN TOWN, @NWSL pic.twitter.com/qxHT40xk2D

- Denver NWSL (@denver_nwsl) June 3, 2025

After leaving the Colts following the 2011 NFL season, Peyton joined the Denver Broncos for the final four seasons of his career. He put up excellent numbers with the team, winning the MVP award during the 2013 season and leading the Broncos to a Super Bowl championship in 2015 before his retirement.