Curt Johnson Named General Manager of Denver NWSL
Denver NWSL announced today that Curt Johnson has been named the club’s first General Manager, bringing more than 25 years of executive experience across all levels of American professional soccer.
Johnson, widely regarded as one of the most accomplished executives in U.S. soccer, begins immediately and will lead all soccer operations for the NWSL expansion club, which begins play in 2026.
“We’re incredibly pleased to welcome Curt to Denver NWSL,” said Rob Cohen, controlling owner of Denver NWSL. “He brings championship-level experience, a collaborative spirit, and a clear passion for growing the game. He’s been a part of building some of the most successful organizations in our sport, and we’re thrilled to have him shaping the future of our club.”
Johnson most recently served as Chief Soccer Officer and General Manager of the North Carolina Courage, where he helped guide the club to seven major trophies including two NWSL Championships and 3 NWSL Shields. He also led Sporting Kansas City to the 2000 MLS Cup and has held leadership roles in MLS, USL, and NASL.
“I’m honored to join Denver NWSL and grateful to Rob Cohen and the entire ownership group for the opportunity,” said Johnson. “There’s incredible momentum around this club. I’m excited to get to work building a team the people of Denver and Colorado can be proud of.”
Johnson’s appointment follows the hiring of club president Jen Millet earlier this year. Together, Millet and Johnson will shape the strategic and competitive direction of the club as it builds toward kickoff in 2026.
Full Curt Johnson Bio
Curt Johnson was named the first General Manager in Denver NWSL history in May 2025, bringing with him more than 25 years of executive experience across all levels of U.S. professional soccer, including NWSL, MLS, USL, and NASL. Widely respected as a collaborative and visionary leader, Johnson has a proven track record of building successful clubs on and off the pitch.
Prior to joining Denver NWSL, Johnson served as Chief Soccer Officer and General Manager of the North Carolina Courage (2017–2024) and North Carolina FC (2011–2024), where he oversaw both business and soccer operations. Under his leadership, the Courage won seven major trophies, including two NWSL Championships and three NWSL Shields, and became a model of sustained success in the league. He also led Sporting Kansas City to the 2000 MLS Cup and helped grow multiple clubs into investment-worthy franchises.
Throughout his career, Johnson has built organizations from the ground up, hired and mentored world-class coaches and players, and prioritized creating inclusive and high-performance environments. He is known for his strategic expertise in areas ranging from roster building and salary cap management to marketing, community engagement, and long-term business planning.
A North Carolina State graduate and former collegiate player and captain, Johnson has served on the Board of Governors for both NWSL and USL. He is a member of the North Carolina Soccer Hall of Fame and holds a U.S. Soccer coaching license and FIFA Futuro certification.
At Denver NWSL, Johnson leads all soccer operations and plays a central role in shaping the club’s culture and future.
