Denver Summit FC Signs Ally Watt as First Player in Historic Move

What's Happening?

Denver Summit FC, a new expansion team in the National Women's Soccer League (NWSL), has signed Ally Watt as its first player. Watt, originally from Colorado Springs, was traded from the Orlando Pride, where she contributed to their 2024 NWSL Shield and Championship victories. As part of the trade, Watt will be loaned back to Orlando for the remainder of the 2025 season. Denver Summit FC aims to leverage local talent as it prepares for its inaugural season in 2026.

Why It's Important?

The signing of Ally Watt marks a significant milestone for Denver Summit FC as it builds its team for the upcoming NWSL season. This move highlights the club's strategy to focus on players with Colorado roots, tapping into the state's rich soccer talent pool. The trade also provides Orlando Pride with financial benefits, including expansion allocation money and salary cap relief, which could enhance their roster flexibility and competitiveness in the league.

What's Next?

Denver Summit FC will continue to build its roster, potentially signing more players with Colorado connections. The club is also finalizing terms with Nick Cushing, former Manchester City and New York City FC head coach, to lead the team. As the 2026 season approaches, Denver Summit FC will focus on establishing its identity and competitive edge in the NWSL, while Orlando Pride will utilize the financial gains from the trade to strengthen their squad.