The Bats might be taking flight, as Sportico reported reigning NWSL champion Gotham FC is exploring a move to MLS side NYCFC’s planned $780 million Etihad Park in Queens.
Gotham has played at New Jersey’s Sports Illustrated Stadium since 2021, with the state serving as the team’s home base since its 2009 inception as Sky Blue.
“Like many clubs, especially in the NWSL as the league rapidly grows, we regularly evaluate options to best support our players, supporters, and organization,” the club said in a statement.
Despite earning two NWSL championships in the last three years, Gotham has struggled with attendance, averaging just 8,892 fans per game last year.
Set to open in 2027, Etihad Park will be New York City’s first pro soccer-specific stadium, part of a complex that includes the US Open’s Flushing Meadows and MLB’s Citi Field — host to Gotham’s Queens Classic this July.
The venue will seat some 25,000 — similar to Sports Illustrated — with easy access to public transportation playing a key role.
