Denver Summit FC Welcomes New Investment from Cordillera
Deal News | Aug 01, 2025 | Ropes & Gray
Ropes & Gray represented Cordillera Investment Partners in their acquisition of a minority stake in Denver Summit FC, a new franchise in the National Women's Soccer League. Denver Summit FC, slated to start competing in 2026, is backed by a consortium of notable investors including Robert L. Cohen, Peyton Manning, and Mikaela Shiffrin. The club has ambitious plans for a new stadium district, aiming for the largest infrastructure investment in women's sports history. Cordillera, recognized for managing niche and non-correlated assets, manages over $1.6 billion for diverse institutional clients. Ropes & Gray's legal team for this transaction consisted of experts in private equity and asset management.
Sectors
- Sports & Entertainment
- Investment Management
- Legal Services
Geography
- United States – The investment and the soccer club, Denver Summit FC, are both based in the United States.
- Denver, Colorado – Denver Summit FC is a soccer team based in Denver, where the new stadium district is planned.
Industry
- Sports & Entertainment – Denver Summit FC is part of the National Women's Soccer League and the investment pertains to the setup and growth of a sports franchise.
- Investment Management – Cordillera Investment Partners is an investment management firm that manages niche, non-correlated assets.
- Legal Services – Ropes & Gray is a legal advisory firm that facilitated the transaction for Cordillera Investment Partners.
Financials
- $1.6 billion – The amount of capital managed by Cordillera Investment Partners.
Participants
| Name | Role | Type | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cordillera Investment Partners | Investor | Company | An investment management firm focused on niche, non-correlated assets managing over $1.6 billion. |
| Denver Summit FC | Target Company | Company | The 16th franchise of the National Women's Soccer League, starting play in 2026. |
| Ropes & Gray | Legal Advisor | Company | Provided legal advice to Cordillera Investment Partners for the investment transaction. |
| Robert L. Cohen | Investor | People | Chairman and CEO of IMA Financial Group, also a part of Denver Summit FC's ownership group. |
| Peyton Manning | Investor | People | Pro Football Hall of Fame quarterback involved in Denver Summit FC ownership. |
| Mikaela Shiffrin | Investor | People | Olympic Alpine Skier contributing to Denver Summit FC's investor group. |