NJ/NY Gotham FC Moves To New York, Leaving New Jersey

New Home in Queens

Gotham FC announced Tuesday it will leave its longtime base at Sports Illustrated Stadium in Harrison after seven seasons. The NWSL club will relocate to Etihad Park, a soccer‑specific venue under construction in Willets Point, Queens. Play at the new stadium is slated to begin in 2028, joining men’s side New York City FC at the site. The club shared a rendering of the facility, which is expected to open in 2027.

The move marks a shift for the franchise, which has used the Harrison venue since its inaugural season. Gotham will get a preview of its future home when it hosts the Washington Spirit at Citi Field on July 15. That game will be billed as “The Queens Classic.”

Current Season Standings

Right now Gotham sits seventh in the NWSL with a 6‑3‑3 record. The squad recently celebrated a 2‑0 win over the Kansas City Current during the 2026 Challenge Cup, a moment captured in a key photo from that matchup. The club’s immediate focus is securing playoff positioning before the transition to Queens takes effect.

The upcoming “Queens Classic” gives fans a taste of what’s to come, blending a high‑profile match with a celebratory vibe for the borough. Gotham’s management hopes the new stadium will boost attendance and provide a vibrant hub for women’s soccer in the city.

precedent in the Garden State

This isn’t the first time a professional team has left New Jersey for New York. The Nets rebranded as the Brooklyn Nets in 2012, ending their identity as a Garden State franchise. Similar relocations highlight the competitive landscape of the metropolitan area and the allure of larger market venues.

Gotham’s shift to Queens reflects a broader trend of cities investing in soccer‑specific facilities to attract top talent and increase fan engagement. The 2028 kickoff at Etihad Park is expected to be a landmark moment for women’s professional soccer on the East Coast.