Gotham FC, the National Women’s Soccer League club that has called New Jersey home since 2020, revealed this week that it will relocate its headquarters to Queens, New York, in 2028.
A Venue Built for the Future
The move will be anchored by Etihad Park, a state‑of‑the‑art soccer‑specific arena slated to open in the spring of 2027. The venue, located in the heart of Queens, will also serve as the home ground for Major League Soccer’s New York City FC.
At a press conference held in the New York City Hall Rotunda, Mayor Zohran Mamdani praised the project as a transformative step for local communities and for women’s soccer, emphasizing the long‑term benefits of a dedicated facility.
Gotham FC’s journey began at Harrison’s modest venues and later at Yurcak Field on Rutgers University’s campus, before establishing a training base in Whippany. The club’s recent on‑field success, highlighted by a second NWSL championship last season, has amplified the demand for a permanent, world‑class home.
Carolyn Tisch Blodgett, the club’s governor, underscored the importance of high‑quality infrastructure for athletes, stating that Etihad Park’s custom locker rooms, merchandise spaces and fan zones will reflect the standards expected of elite competitors.
The stadium’s design includes dedicated spaces for Gotham FC, allowing the team to shape the fan experience while sharing the venue with New York City FC. The five‑year lease, with an option to extend to fifteen years, signals a strategic partnership aimed at sustaining growth.
Currently positioned seventh in the NWSL table with a 6‑3‑3 record, Gotham FC draws an average attendance of 8,148 supporters per game in New Jersey. The new location is expected to boost those numbers as the club taps into the city’s vibrant soccer culture.
Players such as Rose Lavelle and Tierna Davidson have spoken about the move’s emotional resonance, noting that a stable home ground will deepen the connection between the team and its fan base while providing a platform for the next generation of talent.
Beyond the club’s ambitions, the development aligns with broader initiatives to elevate women’s soccer in the United States, leveraging partnerships with the National Women’s Soccer League and Major League Soccer to host international competitions, including the 2028 Summer Olympics.