Gotham FC to move to Etihad Park in 2028

Gotham FC will move their home matches to New York City FC’s Etihad Park in Queens from 2028, marking a major infrastructure step for one of the NWSL’s leading clubs.The two-time and reigning NWSL champions will become tenants at New York City’s first soccer-specific stadium, which is scheduled to open in spring 2027.Gotham FC governor Carolyn Tisch Blodgett said: “From day one, our ambition has been bigger than championships. “We are building one of the world’s most iconic clubs and helping define the future of women’s sports. "Our move to Etihad Park reflects that ambition, and we are deeply grateful to New York City FC for their vision and commitment to helping make this historic moment possible.“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. Gotham FC is showing what is possible when you invest boldly in women’s soccer, and we are committed to building an experience worthy of the fans who have believed in this club from the beginning.”The agreement gives Gotham a long-term matchday platform inside a 25,000-capacity stadium built specifically for football.Etihad Park will include custom spaces for Gotham, including their own locker room and dedicated merchandise positions inside the New York City FC team store.The venue’s LED signage and digital videoboards will also allow Gotham to create a branded matchday environment for their own supporters and commercial partners.Marty Edelman, New York City FC co-vice chairman, said: “From the earliest days of planning Etihad Park, our vision was for it to be more than the home of New York City FC.“We set out to create a venue that would bring the world’s game to the world’s borough and showcase soccer at the highest level, including women’s soccer. Welcoming Gotham FC to Etihad Park is an important step in delivering on that promise and building a world-class home for the game in New York City.”The move expands Gotham’s access to the New York market, with the club saying the stadium connects them to more than 3m additional people within a 75-minute journey by subway, bus or Long Island Rail Road.Etihad Park will be located near the Mets-Willets Point transit station and next to Citi Field, Arthur Ashe Stadium and the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center. The site places Gotham inside a growing Queens sports corridor, creating potential for stronger ticketing, hospitality, retail and sponsorship opportunities.Mark Zarthar, Gotham FC president of business operations, said: “Etihad Park and this historic agreement provide us with a foundation to further establish Gotham FC as a premier global club.“This is a pivotal moment that drives our commercial expansion, fan and partner engagement, and our capacity to create a matchday environment befitting our elite players and supporters. "The support of the New York-New Jersey community has propelled this club to two championships, and this is the world-class matchday experience our players, fans and partners deserve.”Etihad Park will also host international football, concerts and other sporting events, including men’s and women’s Olympic football matches in 2028.The stadium is being developed by City Football Group as a privately funded, all-electric outdoor sports venue.New York Governor Kathy Hochul said: “New York State is home to some of the world's greatest sports teams, and we couldn't be more excited to officially add the reigning NWSL champion Gotham FC to our ranks.“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, giving players and fans the world-class experience they deserve.”Gotham will continue to build their infrastructure base in New Jersey, where the club are developing a dedicated training facility in Whippany.The 27,000-square-foot performance centre will focus on high performance, recovery and athlete wellbeing, with renovation work due to begin later this summer.Yael Averbuch West, Gotham FC president of soccer operations, said: “Moving into Etihad Park is a defining moment for this organization.“Our players compete at the highest level in the world every single time they step on the pitch, and our matchday will reflect that standard. Access to dedicated facilities, permanent infrastructure and a modern stadium built for soccer in the world’s most famous city creates the environment our players need to sustain and build on their excellent on-field performance.”The Queens move also strengthens the NWSL’s wider infrastructure narrative as clubs invest in better stadium environments and more permanent homes.NWSL commissioner Jessica Berman said: “Gotham FC’s move to Etihad Park is another milestone in the continued evolution of our league.“As our clubs create permanent homes that are both world-class and easily accessible, they are strengthening the connection with existing supporters while making it easier for new fans to experience the excitement of the NWSL firsthand.”Gotham supporters can place deposits for the club’s inaugural Etihad Park season in 2028, while existing season ticket members who renew for 2027 will retain priority access.