Women’s sports teams across the country are breaking boundaries and building communities where women can pursue their athletic dreams. Colorado is quickly becoming a hub with an established women’s football team, the inaugural season of women’s rugby, and the much-anticipated NWSL’s 16th franchise landing in Denver, there’s much to celebrate.
The Centennial State is home to teams that are not only excelling on the field but also giving back to their communities in meaningful ways. Let’s take a closer look at three trailblazing women’s sports teams that call Colorado home.
A New Era for Women’s Soccer
In 2026, Denver will make history with the arrival of its very own National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) team. The announcement of Denver as the league’s 16th franchise marks a significant moment in the evolution of women’s professional sports, as the city becomes the first to host a women’s professional sports team in a major national league.
In a state known for its sports culture, this exciting addition to Colorado is the result of a passionate local movement, backed by a dynamic ownership group, including Rob Cohen, Project Level lead by Mellody Hobson and Jason Wright, FirstTracks Sports Ventures LLC, and Molly Coors. Hobson is also part of the Denver Broncos ownership group.
In addition, For Denver FC started a grassroots movement which played a key role in engaging the community, creating excitement, and securing the franchise.
The new franchise will play in a purpose-built stadium and performance facility designed specifically for female athletes, highlighting the importance of this milestone in Colorado’s commitment to supporting women’s sports.
The Denver Bandits
Founded in 2019, the Denver Bandits are on a mission to bring women’s football into the spotlight. As the only Colorado-based team competing in the prestigious Women’s National Football Conference (WNFC), the Bandits play under modified NCAA college football rules, competing in 11-on-11 full-field tackle football.
The COVID-19 pandemic led to the cancellation of their 2019 season, but since then, the Bandits have established themselves as a force to be reckoned with, boasting a solid record of 18-16 over the past five years. With a deep passion for women’s football, the team is dedicated to bringing more awareness and exposure to the sport.
With three playoff appearances and a Western Conference Championship game, the team has worked hard, showcasing their commitment to excellence. More than just a women’s sports team, the Denver Bandits aim to empower women through the sport of football, fostering athleticism, camaraderie, and personal growth. They strive to challenge barriers while inspiring future generations to pursue their passions. Giving back to the Denver community is important to the Denver Bandits who actively engage in volunteer initiatives and hosting youth clinics.
Partnering with local organizations such as the Boys and Girls Club of Denver and the Gold Crown Foundation, the team is committed to enriching the lives of the people around them, ensuring their impact extends far beyond the gridiron.
The season kicks off in Denver on March 29th against the Mississippi Panthers. Check their website for location and ticket information.
Women’s Elite Rugby
Set to kick off its inaugural season in Denver this month, Women’s Elite Rugby (WER) promises to bring an exciting new chapter to women’s sports in Colorado and beyond. The league features six teams—Bay Breakers, Boston Banshees, Chicago Tempest, Denver Onyx, New York Exiles, and Twin Cities Gemini—offering a thrilling experience that brings people together and fosters a connection between the players and the fans.
WER is providing fans with an up-close-and-personal rugby experience, showing the world that women’s rugby deserves respect, visibility, and the opportunity to shine. With the sport gaining popularity after the 2024 Paris Olympics, the Denver Onyx prepares for its debut drawing inspiration from Colorado’s rich history of mining for rare gems, taking its name from the Colorado rose onyx, a gem featured in the foundation of the state capitol building.
Also mined in Colorado, the black onyx symbolizes strength, courage, and resilience which are the qualities that make up the Denver Onyx. With a sharp, fierce logo featuring the contrasting colors of black and bright pink, the Onyx will embody the toughness, grit, and determination of the athletes representing Colorado on the rugby field.
The Denver Onyx will kick off the season on March 29, 2025 at Infinity Park. For more information on the schedule and purchasing tickets, check the website here.
Women’s sports in Colorado are thriving. These teams are more than just athletic organizations—they are communities built on a foundation of strength, perseverance, and collaboration. As these teams continue to grow, they will undoubtedly inspire future generations of female athletes and set the stage for even more groundbreaking moments in women’s sports.