Gotham FC to Relocate to…

Gotham FC will host its home matches at Etihad Park in Queens, New York, starting in 2028, marking the first time the reigning NWSL champions will play within New York City limits.

“This relocation reflects the significant advancements the NWSL has achieved, not just in terms of playing venues in this market, but in terms of providing exceptional infrastructure,” NWSL commissioner Jessica Berman shared in an exclusive interview with ESPN.

“To expand our fan base, we aim to offer the amenities and spectator experience that fans in America expect when supporting their local teams.”

Gotham will make an official announcement later on Tuesday at New York City Hall with Mayor Zohran Mamdani and other leaders.

Etihad Park is expected to open in spring 2027. The 25,000-seat stadium is being developed for MLS’ New York City FC, which started its journey in 2015.

As part of its agreement with NYCFC, Gotham will have its own locker room within the stadium. On match days, the NWSL club will also have the ability to “flip” the branding of the venue, mainly through digital signage, creating a unique atmosphere.

“World-class athletes deserve world-class facilities, and this transition enables us to continually elevate the expectations for our players, supporters, and the sport itself,” stated Gotham FC controlling owner Carolyn Tisch Blodgett. “Gotham FC exemplifies the potential of significant investment in women’s soccer, and we are dedicated to offering an experience worthy of the fans who have supported this club from the start.”

The initial lease for Gotham at Etihad Park is set for five years, with options to extend it up to 15 years, a spokesperson for the club informed ESPN.

Since 2021, Gotham has been playing at Sports Illustrated Stadium (formerly Red Bull Arena) in Harrison, New Jersey, sharing the venue with MLS’ New York Red Bulls. They will continue to play there until 2027. Although it’s located near a PATH train stop connecting to Manhattan, it presents commuting issues for many New Yorkers.

The move to Queens solidifies the club’s commitment to New York City, having dropped the “NJ/NY” branding in recent years. The club transitioned from Sky Blue FC to NJ/NY Gotham FC in 2021, the same year it departed from a sparse college stadium at Rutgers University in central New Jersey. During its tenure at Rutgers, the team often attracted crowds of around 2,000 seats, with fans seated on metal bleachers at a location primarily reachable by vehicle.

Gotham relocated to Harrison to increase its fan base from New York, a metropolis with approximately 8.5 million residents. Last year, Gotham averaged nearly 9,000 fans at Sports Illustrated Stadium, ranking it in the middle tier among NWSL teams.

Etihad Park will be situated across from Citi Field, home to MLB’s New York Mets. Major subway and Long Island Railroad stops will be adjacent to Citi Field and the nearby USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center, ensuring ease of access for fans from across New York City and Long Island.

Gotham will compete against the Washington Spirit at Citi Field on July 15, a match the home team is promoting as “The Queens Classic.”

A spokesperson for Gotham FC reported that nearly 38,000 tickets have already been sold for the upcoming match, setting a record for a women’s professional sporting event in New York City.

“We hope this serves as a benchmark,” Berman stated regarding the upcoming match. “While the deal is already in progress, we aim for it to demonstrate that this team can generate substantial fan engagement.”

Additionally, Gotham has recently declared plans to invest $35 million into enhancing the former training facility of the Red Bulls in Whippany, New Jersey.

Star midfielder and USWNT international Rose Lavelle commented, “As an athlete, playing in world-class facilities that feel like home is incredibly important.”

Berman has previously emphasized the crucial role of public officials in the success of NWSL teams, reiterating this sentiment following the announcement of a 2028 expansion team in Columbus, where officials controversially allocated funds and land for the team to construct a training facility.

Mayor Mamdani recently attended a Gotham FC match, and his office collaborated with the team to distribute 1,000 tickets priced at $5 for the game. Known for his avid support of soccer, the Mayor is keen to drive engagement in the sport.

“Bringing Gotham FC to Queens means that a young girl playing soccer in Jackson Heights, Jamaica, or the South Bronx can take the train and watch some of the world’s best players right in her own city,” Mamdani stated, expressing that this sets the foundation for a “permanent home for elite women’s soccer in the greatest city in the world.”

Having an NWSL team playing directly in New York City is vital for the league as it seeks to secure larger media rights contracts and boost sponsorship revenue.

“As we enter our next media rights cycle,” Berman told ESPN, “having Gotham FC playing in New York City is immensely valuable for the league, making it easier for fans to support the team. From both a club and league standpoint, this is undoubtedly a significant advantage.”

Berman also noted that Etihad Park could “definitely” host a future NWSL Championship.

“When considering locations for the championship, which is predetermined, we want to ensure it has the capability to accommodate the demand we’ve cultivated for the NWSL Championship and offer opportunities for our partners with hospitality,” Berman said. “We aim for venues to be community-friendly, and Queens certainly offers that, and we look forward to exploring that possibility in the future.”