The soccer landscape in New York is about to change dramatically. Gotham FC, the reigning National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) champions, is making a significant move. They will relocate to Queens and make Etihad Park their permanent home starting in the 2028 season.
This announcement comes on the heels of a historic moment for soccer in the United States, as the country co-hosts the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The move is set to bolster the city’s soccer scene and provide a world-class venue for women’s soccer.
Gotham FC’s new home in Queens
The new Etihad Park stadium, currently under construction in Willets Point, Queens, will be the first soccer-specific stadium in New York City. It will also be the country’s first all-electric outdoor sports venue. The stadium, with a capacity of 25,000 seats is expected to open in spring 2027.
Gotham FC will join New York City FC (NYCFC) the city’s Major League Soccer (MLS) team, at Etihad Park. NYCFC is expected to begin playing there during the 2027 MLS season with Gotham FC following the next year. The stadium will feature dedicated spaces for Gotham FC, including a permanent locker room and club merchandise throughout the venue.
A boost for women’s soccer
The move is seen as a significant step forward for women’s soccer. Mayor Zohran Mamdani and Governor Kathy Hochul highlighted the importance of having a permanent home for world-class women’s soccer in New York City. They emphasized that this move will inspire young girls across the city and boost local businesses.
“Bringing Gotham FC to Queens means that the young girl kicking a ball around Jackson Heights, Jamaica or the South Bronx will be able to take the train and watch some of the best players in the world in her own city,” Mamdani said. “It means more customers for neighborhood restaurants, more visitors filling our hotels and, most importantly, a permanent home for world-class women’s soccer in the greatest city in the world.”
Governor Hochul echoed these sentiments, stating that the move is about giving women’s soccer the recognition and facilities it deserves. She noted that soccer has become a “unifying force” in the region, especially with the ongoing World Cup.
Gotham FC’s roots and ambitions
Despite the move to Queens, Gotham FC will maintain its strong connection to New Jersey. The club has long drawn support from both sides of the Hudson and will continue to do so. Carolyn Tisch Blodgett Gotham FC’s governor, emphasized that the team’s identity is deeply rooted in both New York and New Jersey.
“For the first time, Gotham is no longer borrowing a future, we’re building our own,” Tisch Blodgett said. “And just as importantly, today’s announcement doesn’t change who we are. Gotham was built by supporters on both sides of the Hudson. New York and New Jersey are inseparable parts of our identity, and they always will be.”
The move to Etihad Park reflects Gotham FC’s ambition to become one of the world’s leading women’s sports organizations. Yael Averbuch West Gotham FC’s president of soccer operations, highlighted the team’s New Jersey roots and the importance of building on them.
“Those New Jersey roots are part of who we are, and they will always be,” Averbuch West said. “That’s why I’m so excited that today’s announcement doesn’t leave our roots behind, it builds on them.”
The stadium will also feature a Five Boroughs Food Hall which will include gathering spaces and local small businesses representing each borough. This addition is expected to enhance the fan experience and support local businesses.
Fans can start placing season ticket deposits for Gotham FC’s inaugural season at Etihad Park in 2028. Existing season ticket members who renew for the 2027 season will retain priority access, while new supporters can join the list. Additional information on seat selection, premium hospitality, and season ticket member benefits will be announced in the coming months.
