Featured Image: Mikaela Shiffrin. Credit: GEPA
Mikaela Shiffrin, the greatest alpine ski racer of all time, has seized an investment opportunity beyond the slopes that underscores the advancement of women’s sports.
The Stifel U.S. Ski Team superstar has joined the ownership group of Denver’s expansion team in the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL).
The NWSL officially named Denver the 16th team in January. By March, Mayor Mike Johnston introduced an ambitious plan to construct a 14,500-seat stadium and recreational district dedicated to professional women’s soccer in the heart of the city.
The $110 million expansion fee marks a significant investment, making it the largest in U.S. women’s sports history.
Shiffrin is excited to be part of the first purpose-built sports entertainment district constructed for professional women’s sports in Colorado.
Shiffrin stated, “I’m beyond thrilled to join the ownership group of Denver NWSL and support something so meaningful in the community I call home.”
“To be part of it and to help bring professional women’s soccer to Colorado is not only an incredible investment opportunity, but it is both an honor and a joy,” Shiffrin explained.
Personal Success as a Catalyst for Sporting Progress
The Colorado-born athlete has committed time to contribute to the advancement and innovation in sports, actively engaging in efforts to give back to the community.
Shiffrin explained, “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.”
This milestone investment was not the only movement she was a part of this season in sport.
This year, Shiffrin made history as the first alpine ski racer, male or female, to surpass 100 World Cup victories. She didn’t just celebrate her success; she leveraged it to promote the growth of winter sports by launching the MIK100 movement.
Shiffrin partnered with the Share Winter Foundation for the MIK100 initiative, which surpassed its goal of $100,000 to raise nearly $500,000 for learn-to-ski and snowboard programs for youth who otherwise could not participate in the sports.
She stated, “I want to help more people access, experience, and enjoy more snow sports because winter and snow sports have been such a big part of my life.”
Women’s Sports at the Forefront
Shiffrin described herself as a “small-level investor” in the NWSL team but is looking forward to this endeavor with progress in women’s sports at the forefront.
She stated, “I’ve had conversations on and off over the years with several different people who are pretty heavily invested in women’s sports, and this felt like a good time to at least dip my toes in the water.”
Shiffrin played soccer herself, and is a fan of the sport. She stated, “When we weren’t skiing, we were playing soccer.”
During her social media release, she revealed her ball-juggling skills and significant joy in being a part of a milestone moment in the mile-high city.
Info gathered from NWSL, ESPN and The Athletic.
About the Author: Ellie Hartman
