Denver Summit FC Lands Orlando’s Ally Watt in Historic First Signing

Denver Summit FC, the freshest addition to the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL), has reportedly snagged the sensational forward Ally Watt from Orlando Pride. Set to kick-off their journey in 2026, the Summit has marked the beginning of their football saga with this thrilling acquisition, according to ESPN.

However, the excitement doesn’t end there! 28-year-old Watt, a Colorado native, has been loaned back to Orlando Pride to continue her magic on the field for the rest of the 2025 season.

The Deal Breakdown

A whopping $75,000 in expansion allocation money was sent packing to Orlando, a fund which can be utilized until the end of 2027. On top of that, an extra $37,500 was sent to Orlando in exchange for Watt’s football prowess.

Orlando Pride also gets a breather from Watt’s salary as a part of this loan agreement. The deal is a win-win for both teams.

Ally Watt: A Rising Star

Ally Watt’s performance in the field has been nothing short of spectacular. In 2024, she played a pivotal role in leading Orlando Pride to an NWSL Shield and an NWSL Cup title. With one goal and one assist in 13 matches this season, Watt is a force to be reckoned with.

Denver Summit FC’s Local Talent Strategy

Summit GM Curt Johnson has a vision for his team: to capitalize on the rich pool of local talent. “Colorado has been fertile ground for this sport for a long time, and we’re going to dig into that,” Johnson told ESPN in May.

And they’re doing just that with their first signing. Watt, a Colorado Springs native, has not only made her name in soccer but also won multiple state championships in track and field.

New Roster-Building Mechanisms

As the 2025 season approaches, the NWSL has approved new roster-building mechanisms for 2026 expansion teams, including intra-league loans. Both Denver Summit FC and Boston Legacy FC have up to $1.065M in allocation money to splurge on their teams. However, this allocation money will be phased out at the end of 2026.

What Lies Ahead?

With Summit’s inception slated for 2026, the team is looking forward to adding more talent to their roster. Rumor has it, they are in talks with Nick Cushing, former manager of MLS side NYCFC and WSL side Manchester City, to be their first manager.

Meanwhile, Orlando Pride and Watt are gearing up to face Racing Louisville on the field this Saturday. The football universe is buzzing with anticipation, with all eyes on Denver Summit FC and their future moves.