'It’s a real honor' - NFL Hall of Famer Peyton Manning joins ownership group of NWSL Denver team

The former Denver Broncos star, who spent the tail end of his career in Colorado, has invested an undisclosed amount in the league's newest franchise

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  WHAT HAPPENED?

  Former NFL superstar Peyton Manning has joined the ownership of the yet-unamed Denver-based NWSL franchise, the club announced Tuesday. The former Indianapolis Colts and Denver Broncos quarterback, who won a record five NFL MVP awards, spent four years in Colorado at the tail end of his career and has remained active in the Colorado community since his retirement. The exact amount of his investment is unknown, although the ownership group shelled out $110 million for the rights to an expansion franchise.

• THE BIGGER PICTURE

  The move continues a sibling rivalry that has reverberated throughout the sports world over the years. Peyton's brother, Eli, who retired in 2019, has also invested in women's soccer and holds a stake in NWSL side Gotham FC.

• WHAT PEYTON MANNING SAID

  The NFL legend expressed his excitement in his investment with an official statement: "It’s a real honor to be part of something so meaningful to the Colorado community. 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."

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  WHAT NEXT FOR PEYTON MANNING AND DENVER?

  The club is set to start play in 2026 and will be joined by Boston Legacy FC as one of two expansion franchises in the league's 12th season.