By J.J. Pavlick | New York, NY | July 7, 2026
New York, NY—Gotham FC will officially leave Sports Illustrated Stadium and relocate to Etihad Park in Queens beginning in 2028, the club announced Tuesday—confirming what multiple sources had privately disclosed to Bad Dawg Media in recent weeks.
The move places the two‑time and reigning NWSL champions inside New York City’s first‑ever soccer‑specific stadium, a 25,000‑capacity venue built by New York City FC and City Football Group. It marks one of the most significant infrastructure shifts in NWSL history and positions Gotham FC within one of the most ambitious soccer developments in the United States.
The club framed the relocation as a defining moment in its evolution. In the official announcement, Gotham FC governor Carolyn Tisch Blodgett said, “From day one, our ambition has been bigger than championships… World‑class athletes deserve world‑class environments, and this move allows us to keep raising the standard for our players, supporters, and the game itself.”
The move follows Gotham FC’s recent continental title, its second NWSL championship in three seasons, and plans for a dedicated training facility in Whippany, New Jersey. Etihad Park expands the club’s reach dramatically, connecting Gotham FC to more than 3 million additional people within a 75‑minute commute via MTA and LIRR.
A Shared Vision With NYCFC
New York City FC leadership emphasized that Etihad Park was designed from the outset to host both men’s and women’s professional soccer at the highest level. NYCFC Co‑Vice Chairman Marty Edelman said, “We set out to create a venue that would bring the world’s game to the world’s borough… Welcoming Gotham FC to Etihad Park is an important step in delivering on that promise.”
The stadium will open in spring 2027, with NYCFC beginning play that July. Gotham FC will join the following year.
Political Leaders Applaud the Move
New York Governor Kathy Hochul called the relocation a milestone for the state, saying, “Now residents and visitors alike will be able to experience our premier women’s soccer team right here in New York City at our first‑ever soccer‑specific stadium.”
New York City Mayor Zohran Kwame Mamdani added that the move will anchor Gotham FC within the city’s cultural and economic fabric:
“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.”
Queens Borough President Donovan Richards Jr. called the club’s arrival “a remarkable goal for New York City and the sport of soccer.”
A Stadium Built for Gotham FC
Etihad Park will feature custom spaces for Gotham FC, including:
- A dedicated locker room
- Exclusive merchandise positions
- Stadium‑wide LED signage and videoboards tailored to Gotham FC branding
- A supporters’ porch, food hall, and seven‑story LED gateway known as The Cube
The venue will be the country’s first all‑electric outdoor sports stadium, privately funded and built entirely by union labor.
Located steps from the Mets‑Willets Point transit hub, Etihad Park sits within the rapidly expanding Willets Point sports corridor, adjacent to Citi Field and the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center.
Players and Leadership React
Gotham FC’s leadership and players described the move as transformational.
Club President of Soccer Operations Yael Averbuch West said, “Our players compete at the highest level… and our matchday will reflect that standard.”
Head coach Juan Carlos Amorós called it “a very important moment… Etihad Park is going to bring another level of energy.”
Captain Tierna Davidson said the move signals the club’s commitment to sustained excellence, while longtime defender Mandy Freeman—the club’s longest‑tenured player—reflected on the journey: “To know where we started and see where we are going now is really special.”
Midfielder Rose Lavelle added, “As a player, you want to play in world‑class facilities that feel like home… it’ll be really exciting to do that in New York City at Etihad Park.”
Season Ticket Deposits Open Now
Supporters can place season‑ticket deposits for Gotham FC’s inaugural season at Etihad Park starting at $28. Existing season‑ticket members who renew for 2027 will retain priority access for 2028.
A Defining Moment for Women’s Soccer in New York
Gotham FC’s move to Etihad Park represents the club’s largest infrastructure advancement to date—a culmination of years of growth from its origins as Sky Blue FC into one of the premier clubs in global women’s soccer.
The relocation aligns Gotham FC with the city’s expanding soccer landscape and positions the club at the center of a new era for the sport in New York.
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