The Gotham FC history tells the story of one of the most dynamic clubs in the Gotham FC NWSL, known for its resilience and exciting style of Gotham FC soccer. Founded with the goal of elevating women’s soccer in the New York–New Jersey area, the team has built a strong fan base and a proud competitive tradition.
Established
2006
City
New York
League History
2013 – Present / National Women's Soccer League
Team History
2025 – Present / Gotham FC
2021 - 2025 / NJ/NY Gotham FC
2013 - 2020 / Sky Blue FC
Nickname
Gotham FC – The nickname "Gotham FC" draws inspiration from New York City’s famous nickname, “Gotham”, which has been widely used in literature, comics, and popular culture to represent the city’s vibrant, dynamic, and resilient character.
Gotham FC Origin
By adopting Gotham as their name, the club embraces its deep connection to New York City and the surrounding metro area, signaling pride in the region’s identity. The name reflects strength, sophistication, and a modern edge—qualities the team aims to embody both on and off the field.
This rebranding from Sky Blue FC to Gotham FC marked a fresh start, representing the club’s evolution, ambition, and commitment to becoming a leading force in women’s professional soccer while honoring the spirit of one of the world’s most iconic cities.
Championship
NWSL Championships 0
2023
Stadium
2025 - Present / Sports Illustrated Stadium
2019 - 2024 / Red Bull Arena
2013 - 2019 / Yurcak Field
Owner
2023 - Present / Phil and Tammy Murphy, Carolyn Tisch Blodgett, Steven H. Temares, Kristin Bernert, Eli Manning, Sue Bird, Karen Bryant, Bobby Cho, Ed Nalbandian
2021 - 2023 / Y. Michele Kang, Joe Barone, Phil Murphy, Tammy Murphy
2013 - 2021 / Phil Murphy, Tammy Murphy, Steven H. Temares, Francesco Prandoni, and Thomas Hofstetter.
To qualify as the greatest player for this team, the player must have played one season for this team. If not, we will remove the player.
* verifies that player has played for this team as an added player by a fan.
Gotham FC History
The Gotham FC history began in 2007 when the club was founded as Sky Blue FC, one of the earliest professional women’s soccer teams in the United States. The team played a major role in shaping the growth of Gotham FC soccer and was a founding member of both Women’s Professional Soccer (WPS) and the Gotham FC NWSL. In 2009, Sky Blue FC made headlines by winning the inaugural WPS Championship, led by U.S. star Christie Rampone.
During the 2010s, Gotham FC continued to develop a strong foundation, earning recognition for its resilience and ability to produce top-tier talent. The club featured legendary Gotham FC players such as Carli Lloyd, Sam Kerr, and Raquel “Rocky” Rodríguez, who helped raise the team’s profile in women’s soccer. Despite challenges on and off the field, the team remained a respected presence in the Gotham FC NWSL and stayed deeply connected to its fan community.
In 2021, the club officially rebranded as NJ/NY Gotham FC, marking a bold transformation that captured the spirit of the New York–New Jersey region. This rebrand symbolized new energy and ambition, embracing the “Gotham” identity as a representation of strength, culture, and modernity. The team’s move to Red Bull Arena elevated its visibility and matchday experience, creating one of the most vibrant home atmospheres in the league.
Gotham Achievements
With continued investment in talent, Gotham FC attracted world-class players like Rose Lavelle, Crystal Dunn, and Esther González. The club’s leadership and ownership have focused on innovation, community involvement, and advancing equality in sports. Today, Gotham FC soccer stands as a symbol of progress, resilience, and empowerment in the women’s game.
2023 NWSL Championship Victory
One of the most defining moments in Gotham FC history came in 2023 when the team won its first NWSL Championship. This achievement showcased the club’s transformation from an underdog to a championship-caliber contender. With strong performances from top Gotham FC players, the team’s triumph represented the culmination of years of growth, teamwork, and relentless determination—solidifying its place as a leading force in the Gotham FC NWSL.
Retired Number
*Blue is this team’s history