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Potential Denver NWSL team names ranked, from bizarre to 'print it right now'

meghan l. hall
·3-min read
Jul 6, 2024; Kansas City, Missouri, USA; The NWSL logo is seen before a match between the Orlando Pride and the Kansas City Current at CPKC Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Nick Tre. Smith-USA TODAY Sports
Jul 6, 2024; Kansas City, Missouri, USA; The NWSL logo is seen before a match between the Orlando Pride and the Kansas City Current at CPKC Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Nick Tre. Smith-USA TODAY Sports

The NWSL's Denver expansion franchise recently announced that it will allow fans to help name the team.

In all honesty, that's likely the right decision. It's probably for the best after the Boston expansion team name snafu. (Sorry, Boston fans.)

So, how will it work? Fans get to vote on it. Yep. Fans are voting on six names received during a Denver NWSL event in January, from social media suggestions and direct interaction with supporters who have already deemed themselves Denver fans.

Seems pretty straightforward. Right? Now, For The Win gets to do what it does best―rank them from bizarre to "print it right now." We make no apologies for the shenanigans that are about to ensue.

Here are all six Denver NWSL team names ranked:

6. Denver Gold FC

Jul 2, 2022; Denver, Colorado, USA; The sunsets over the Rocky Mountain front range during the fourth inning between the Colorado Rockies and the Arizona Diamondbacks at Coors Field. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-USA TODAY Sports
Jul 2, 2022; Denver, Colorado, USA; The sunsets over the Rocky Mountain front range during the fourth inning between the Colorado Rockies and the Arizona Diamondbacks at Coors Field. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-USA TODAY Sports

Denver Gold likely has a lot of nostalgic value, and while we understand, it's a no for us. That's the nicest thing we can say. We're unmoved.

Good try, though.

5. Denver Peak FC

May 4, 2019; Denver, CO, USA; A general view behind Coors Field showing Long Peak in the Rocky mountains during the game between the Arizona Diamondbacks against the Colorado Rockies. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports
May 4, 2019; Denver, CO, USA; A general view behind Coors Field showing Long Peak in the Rocky mountains during the game between the Arizona Diamondbacks against the Colorado Rockies. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports

We love a good play on words. Denver Peak certainly accomplishes that.

However, can you imagine the announcers calling this out? "And now, the Denver Peak FC walks onto the pitch." It's not exactly rousing.

Also, the peak jokes would be insufferable should the team not be immediately good. "The team PEAKed," or "They hit the PEAK of success."

Trust us. You don't want that.

4. Colorado 14ers FC

The left-field fence, called "The 14'er," as seen from the infield of new softball stadium at Triple Crown Sports' Fort Collins headquarters. 14er From Field
The left-field fence, called "The 14'er," as seen from the infield of new softball stadium at Triple Crown Sports' Fort Collins headquarters. 14er From Field

If you're unfamiliar with a " fourteener, " allow us to explain. It's any mountain peak with an elevation of at least 14,000 feet. Again, this is another name heavy on city ties and mountain references.

This is admirable work, but it's such a bizarre name for a professional sports team. We cannot see a world where "Colorado 14ers" actually exists.

Not to be dramatic, but this is a 0/10. Would not recommend. Half a star.

3. Denver FC

Jul 9, 2016; Denver, CO, USA; A general view of the downtown Denver skyline in the sixth inning of the game between the Colorado Rockies and the Philadelphia Phillies at Coors Field. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-USA TODAY Sports
Jul 9, 2016; Denver, CO, USA; A general view of the downtown Denver skyline in the sixth inning of the game between the Colorado Rockies and the Philadelphia Phillies at Coors Field. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-USA TODAY Sports

As simple as Denver FC is, sometimes less if more.

This works rather well, and we could see it being an option fans could get behind. We don't know what else to tell you. It just works.

2. Colorado Summit FC

SILVERTON, CO - MARCH 12: Snowsport enthusiest Tom Reynolds of Denver, Colorado climbs toward the summit to snowboard Silverton Mountain on March 12, 2010 in Silverton Colorado. Silverton Mountain is a unique experience offering guided back country skiing to a summit of more than 13,000' serviced by one chairlift that accesses terrain that is entirely for the advanced and expert skiers. (Photo by Doug Pensinger/Getty Images)

Alright. Now, we're cooking a bit. Colorado Summit?

The play on words, the well-done (but light) mountain reference―the way it just rolls off the tongue. PERFECTION.

We're unsure what lovely humans came up with this name, but we want to thank them. We love it. We don't have a say in this, but we support any fans who want to vote for Colorado Summit FC.

1. Denver Elevate FC

Aug 2, 2014; Denver, CO, USA; Denver Broncos fans await players for autographs on top of a elevation warning signage following a scrimmage at Sports Authority Field. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports
Aug 2, 2014; Denver, CO, USA; Denver Broncos fans await players for autographs on top of a elevation warning signage following a scrimmage at Sports Authority Field. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports

DING. DING. DING. It's a winner, folks. Print it right now―everywhere.

Don't ask us any questions. Just trust us on this one. You're going to want Denver Elevate on all the things. Mugs. Hats. Shirts. Children. (YES. EVEN THE BABIES NEED THINGS.)

This has so much potential; we just want to say we'll support this, too.

LET'S GOOOOO. Denver Elevate FC to the moon.

This article originally appeared on For The Win: Potential Denver NWSL team names ranked, from bizarre to 'print it right now'