No. 1 Gotham is revving its engine, as the defending NWSL champion reportedly re-signed USWNT midfielder Rose Lavelle through 2029 despite “aggressive offers” from competing clubs.
Lavelle was set to become one of the NWSL’s highest-profile 2027 free agents. Gotham — already nearing the salary-cap max — is likely using the new High Impact Player rule to seal the deal.
“I think every team wants to sign Rose Lavelle,” Gotham President of Soccer Operations Yael Averbuch West told The NY Post in July. “So absolutely, we’re working every day on it.”
The World Cup and Olympic champion has been key to the Bats’ surge. She’s tallied four goals in 19 appearances, sparking a nine-game unbeaten run that has Gotham five points clear atop the table.
Lavelle scored the game-winner in the 2025 title match and helped lift the inaugural Concacaf W Champions Cup. And she’s subsequently anchoring Gotham’s bid for a first-ever NWSL Shield.
However, she’s currently in concussion protocol after suffering a head injury in August 23rd’s 0-0 draw with Angel City. Her status remains unclear ahead of this weekend’s match with No. 10 Denver.
Gotham visits the Summit on Sunday at 2 PM ET (CBS).
