Major update on $780m New York Stadium as NWSL team to join MLS club in NYC’s first-ever soccer specific venue

NWSL champions Gotham FC will move to a new $780million stadium in Queens, marking a historic moment for New York City.

The soccer giants aim to move into Etihad Park in 2028 – a venue located in the Flushing neighborhood.

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Gotham FC aim to move into Etihad Park in 2028 Credit: Instagram / @newyorkcityfc

Mayor Zohran Mamdani is hopeful that it will make the sport more accessible to fans in the city Credit: Splash

Etihad Park will be the first soccer-specific stadium in the city, with an expected capacity of 25,000 spectators.

Mayor Zohran Mamdani is hopeful that it will make the sport more accessible to fans in the city.

He said: “From Sam Kerr’s legendary four-goal comeback to Midge Purce’s championship-clinching heroics, Gotham FC has given us some of the greatest moments in women’s soccer.

“Now the next electrifying chapter of that story will be written in New York City.

“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.

“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.”

Governor Kathy Hochul added: “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 Champions, 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 share the stadium with New York City FC Credit: New York City FC

The NWSL champions currently play their home games at at Sports Illustrated Stadium Credit: Getty

The new stadium will be shared by Gotham FC and MLS outfit New York City FC when it opens.

Gotham currently play their home games at Sports Illustrated Stadium in Harrison, New Jersey, while NYCFC play at both Yankee Stadium and Citi Field – which is located directly next to Etihad Park.

The move is the latest step in the Mamdani administration’s bid to make soccer accessible for every New Yorker.

Mayor Mamdani and Gotham FC released 1,000 tickets priced at $5 each for the club’s match against Boston Legacy in May, offering the community affordable opportunities to watch professional women’s soccer.

USWNT star and Gotham midfielder Rose Lavelle said: “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.

“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.”