The world’s most elite men’s soccer teams are flocking to New Jersey this summer, but one reigning women’s champion is uprooting for New York City. Soon.

Gotham FC, the NJ-based professional women’s soccer team that competes in the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL), announced it is moving to New York City FC’s new stadium at Etihad Park in Queens.

Construction on the new 25,000-seat stadium started in December 2024. The final beam was placed in March.

Gotham FC says it’ll play home games there starting in 2028. It had been using Sports Illustrated Stadium, formerly the Red Bull Arena, for those matches for several years.

“The move marks a defining moment in Gotham FC’s evolution, giving one of the world’s leading women’s clubs a matchday environment that reflects its ambitions and provides supporters with a world-class experience,” New York City FC and Gotham FC said in a joint statement Tuesday.

According to Gotham FC, Etihad Park connects the club to more than 3 million additional people within a 75-minute commute via MTA bus, subway, and Long Island Rail Road.

“From day one, our ambition has been bigger than championships,” said Carolyn Tisch Blodgett, the governor of Gotham FC. “We are building one of the world’s most iconic clubs and helping define the future of women’s sports.”

“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, she added.

What to know about NYC’s new soccer stadium

Etihad Park will be New York City’s first soccer-specific stadium, opening in spring 2027. New York City FC will start play at Etihad Park with the beginning of the 2027-28 MLS season in July 2027, with Gotham FC set to begin play in 2028.

Steps from the Mets-Willets Point transit station serving the 7 train and LIRR, Etihad Park will be the country’s first all-electric outdoor sports venue,

In addition to MLS and NWSL matches, it will host major international soccer events, including men’s and women’s Olympic soccer matches in 2028, as well as international friendlies, concerts, and other sporting events.