Gotham FC will start the 2026 NWSL season flying high, as the reigning NWSL champions look to rev up a fresh regional rivalry against expansion side Boston Legacy FC on Saturday.
"There's a target on your back, but that's what's really fun about this league," Gotham defender and 2025 NWSL Rookie of the Year Lilly Reale told amNewYork. "You want as much pressure and for the stakes to be as high as possible."
"We want to just play free, we want to have fun, and show something about football that is not always seen in this league," said Boston forward Nichelle Prince ahead of the club's debut match.
Prior to kicking off the 2026 season, Gotham added another stellar contributor to their stacked roster, as the Bats officially signed Chelsea winger and Norway star Guro Reiten on Thursday.
The six-time WSL champion will join the NWSL side on loan through July, before entering into a pre-arranged contract running through 2029.
"Her experience competing for major trophies with Chelsea and her impact with the Norwegian national team will bring valuable leadership and attacking creativity to our squad," said Gotham GM and head of soccer operations Yael Averbuch West in the club's announcement.
How to watch Boston Legacy vs. Gotham FC in their 2026 NWSL opener
Expansion side Boston will host the reigning champion Gotham in the Legacy's inaugural match on Saturday.
The East Coast duo will face off at 12:30 PM ET, airing live on ABC.
