The National Women's Soccer League’s two‑time defending champion Gotham FC announced a historic relocation that will see the club trade its New Jersey base for a purpose‑built venue in Queens, New York City, beginning in 2028.
The new home, called Etihad Park, is designed specifically for women’s soccer and will accommodate up to 25,000 fans. Its all‑electric infrastructure, customized locker rooms, and cutting‑edge LED videoboards promise a premium match‑day experience.
Etihad Park sits adjacent to Citi Field and Arthur Ashe Stadium, creating a vibrant sports precinct in the Flushing Meadows area. The venue’s proximity to the Mets‑Willets Point transit hub — served by the 7 train, several MTA bus lines, and the Long Island Rail Road — makes it easily reachable for fans across the region.
Economic and Community Impact
Mayor Zohran Mamdani highlighted that the move will make world‑class women’s soccer more accessible to local residents, while also injecting economic activity into the surrounding neighborhoods. The stadium’s presence is expected to generate jobs, stimulate nearby businesses, and reinforce New York City’s commitment to gender‑equitable sports infrastructure.
Beyond the stadium, Gotham FC will retain a 27,000‑square‑foot elite training facility in Whippany, New Jersey, ensuring that the club’s high‑performance operations remain rooted in the state that nurtured its early success.
The relocation also expands the team’s fan base dramatically. By positioning the club within a 75‑minute commute of more than three million additional people, the NWSL aims to broaden viewership, increase ticket sales, and foster a deeper connection between the league and urban communities.
Gotham FC’s partnership with New York City FC, the shared tenant of Etihad Park, underscores a collaborative approach to stadium utilization. Both clubs will leverage the venue’s state‑of‑the‑art amenities, from exclusive merchandise hubs to advanced broadcasting capabilities, to elevate the profile of soccer in the United States.
Fans can look forward to a new era of women’s professional soccer in the city, one that blends elite competition with community engagement and economic development. The move signals a growing investment in female athletes and sets a precedent for future sports ventures across the nation.