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Jeff Kassouf
Multiple Authors
Gotham FC forward Sam Kerr stated that her decision to return to the NWSL—where she remains the league’s top scorer in regular season goals—was influenced by her exit from Chelsea after six successful years with the club.
“With all the changes at Chelsea and my desire for something different, the NWSL was truly the only league I envisioned myself in,” Kerr shared with reporters on Thursday, marking her first time speaking since signing with Gotham. “I have deep connections to the league, especially with Kristie [Mewis, my wife] being American, and I really cherished my time here. My goal was to return, compete for championships, and be part of the action once more.”
Kerr is set to make her debut for Gotham on July 15 against the Washington Spirit at Citi Field in Queens, New York, the day after the NWSL’s transfer window opens, allowing for her official registration with the league.
Kerr referred to her comeback to Gotham as a “full-circle moment,” having previously played for the team—then known as Sky Blue FC—from 2015 to 2017. During her last season, she earned the 2017 NWSL MVP and Golden Boot honors, netting a record 17 goals (a record that has since been broken).
After one season with the Chicago Red Stars, she spent two years with the Western New York Flash before her initial tenure with Sky Blue FC.
Kerr maintains the league’s record for regular-season goals with 77, surpassing Lynn Biyendolo, who is currently on maternity leave.
Her new contract with Gotham FC extends until 2030—close to the league’s maximum of five years. Kerr will turn 33 in September and emphasized that she prioritized stability in her choice of team, especially after her time navigating the NWSL in her previous stint in the United States.
While she kept details of other NWSL team discussions under wraps, Kerr made her decision to join Gotham in May.
Returning to a franchise that has transformed itself, Kerr expressed admiration for Gotham’s evolution. When she last played for the club, Sky Blue FC had limited facilities, playing at a college stadium in central New Jersey. Now, Gotham enjoys better facilities at Sports Illustrated Stadium and plans to relocate to NYCFC’s new stadium in Queens by 2028.
“When I left Gotham—Sky Blue at the time—we were performing in front of a few thousand fans,” Kerr recalled. “The upcoming game at Citi Field embodies what we fought for: packed stadiums, top-tier facilities, standout players, and fair wages. Many individuals have worked hard over the last six years, enabling me to return and fulfill my American dream.”
Kerr does not qualify for the NWSL’s new High Impact Player rule, which allows teams to pay star athletes up to $1 million beyond the salary cap. This is largely due to her 20-month absence while recovering from a torn ACL.
That absence posed a salary cap puzzle for a star-studded Gotham FC roster, yet Yael Averbuch West, the club’s president of soccer operations, mentioned on Thursday that they “view the salary cap as a competitive asset,” relentlessly seeking to optimize league rules for roster building.
Gotham had approximately $900,000 in unused allocation money as of December—one of the highest amounts in the NWSL. This allocation money must be utilized by the end of the year.
Furthermore, Gotham secured $350,000 in expansion allocation money from defender Lilly Reale‘s recent transfer to Boston Legacy FC. Since it originates from an expansion team, this money is applicable through 2027.
In total, Gotham has $1.25 million in allocation money that can contribute to player salaries without impacting the salary cap.
There are also players on the team eligible for the HIP rule. Defender Emily Sonnett recently signed a new contract valid until 2028, with her agent confirming in an Instagram post that the High Impact Player rule applied to her, easing her cap hit. Additionally, midfielder Rose Lavelle is also eligible for HIP and will soon be a free agent.
Kerr’s contract extending to 2030 enables Gotham to distribute total guaranteed pay over time. According to the current collective bargaining agreement, the salary cap will increase from this year’s $3.7 million (adjusted after revenue sharing) to at least $5.1 million by 2030.
“Our focus is on how to maximize all league rules to create a well-balanced, talent-rich roster,” Averbuch West explained. “We are proud of our creative cap management, making decisions that allow us to keep as many star players as possible. Sam could have chosen any club globally, and we deeply value that.”
“The strategy is about presenting an offer that respects the player while also adopting innovative approaches. Ultimately, all our players are here because they wish to compete alongside top talent, which significantly influences their decisions.”