Gotham FC is moving, but not too far.

Beginning in 2028, the National Women’s Soccer League club will play its home games in Queens, New York, at Etihad Park — a brand-new soccer-specific stadium set to open in the spring of 2027. The venue, which is the first soccer-specific stadium in New York City, will also be home to New York City FC of Major League Soccer.

Gotham made the announcement on Tuesday morning at the New York City Hall Rotunda alongside Mayor Zohran Mamdani.

“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,” Mamdani said. “It means more customers for neighborhood restaurants, more visitors filling our hotels and, most importantly, a permanent home for world-class women’s soccer in the greatest city in the world.”

Since 2020, Gotham FC has played its home games in Harrison, New Jersey, at Sports Illustrated Stadium, which is also home to the New York Red Bulls of MLS. Formerly named Sky Blue FC, the club previously played its home games at Yurcak Field on the campus of Rutgers University.

Gotham FC has a training facility in Whippany, New Jersey. Last season, the club won its second NWSL championship.

“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,” Carolyn Tisch Blodgett, the Governor of Gotham FC, said in a statement. “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.”

A 25,000-seat stadium, Etihad Park will feature custom spaces for Gotham FC, including the team’s own locker room and club merchandise areas. In addition to MLS and NWSL matches, Etihad Park will host major international soccer events, including men’s and women’s soccer games in the 2028 Summer Olympics.

According to a report from ESPN, Gotham’s lease at Etihad Park is for five years with an option to extend it to up to 15 years.

Powered by Jaedyn Shaw, Rose Lavelle and Tierna Davidson this season, Gotham FC is seventh in the NWSL table with a 6-3-3 record. In New Jersey, they’re averaging an attendance of 8,148 fans per game this year, which ranks 12th in the 16-team league.

“This club has such a special group of people and such amazing fans, and this move, along with the new training center, is a big step in our journey together,” Lavelle said. “As a player, you want to play in world-class facilities that feel like home, and it’ll be really exciting to do that in New York City at Etihad Park.”

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: NWSL club Gotham FC leaving New Jersey for Etihad Park in Queens

Reporting by Mitchell Northam, USA TODAY / USA TODAY

USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect