Boston Legacy FC: A New Chapter for Women’s Soccer in Boston
In a move that has been eagerly anticipated by fans and critics alike, Boston’s 2026 National Women’s Soccer League expansion team has officially unveiled its new name: Boston Legacy Football Club. This announcement comes five months after the team faced significant backlash over its initial branding attempt.
Back in October, the team introduced itself as “BOS Nation FC” with a marketing campaign humorously titled “Too Many Balls,” a nod to the lack of women’s professional sports in Boston. However, the reception was less than favorable, leading to a swift retraction of the campaign materials within just 24 hours. The name “BOS Nation” was intended as an anagram for “Bostonian,” but it failed to resonate with the community.
Fast forward to earlier this month, and the franchise’s majority owner, Jennifer Epstein, confirmed that the team would undergo a rebranding process. This decision was driven by “honest and critical feedback” from supporters, putting an end to months of speculation about the team’s identity.
The newly minted Boston Legacy FC aims to honor the city’s rich history while also looking forward to its role as a hub of future innovation. According to a news release from the club, the name was chosen after a “quantitative analysis process” that involved fan feedback. A survey of 1,500 fans and brand professionals generated over 500 name suggestions, which were then narrowed down to a shortlist of 14 names.
- The team had several criteria for the new name:
- It should require no explanation, unlike the previous anagram.
- It should be timeless and enduring.
- It should avoid colonial, Revolutionary War, and nautical themes, which are common among New England sports teams.
Interestingly, the Boston Breakers name, which has a storied history in women’s professional soccer, was not chosen. The Breakers were one of the founding teams of the NWSL in 2013 but unfortunately folded after the 2017 season due to financial difficulties.
Jennifer Epstein expressed her excitement about the new name, stating, “Our name is just the beginning. It’s what we build together, through dedication, commitment, and grit, that will give it life.” She emphasized the team’s commitment to reflecting the competitive spirit and pride of Boston, while also paying tribute to the pioneers who laid the groundwork for women’s professional soccer in the city.
However, the journey to establishing Boston Legacy FC has not been without its challenges. The team’s plan to renovate White Stadium and share it with Boston Public Schools sports teams has become a contentious issue. The project has faced intense scrutiny and has even become a hot topic in Boston’s upcoming mayoral race.
Last week, the team began its defense in a trial aimed at halting the stadium plans, with opponents arguing that it privatizes public land. A decision is expected soon, following a brief trial and some favorable pre-trial motions for the team. Meanwhile, construction costs for the stadium have nearly doubled from initial estimates, and demolition at the site began about a month ago.
Looking ahead, Boston Legacy FC is set to begin play next year alongside a new Denver expansion team, which will bring the NWSL to a total of 16 teams. Denver has taken a different approach by launching a public team-naming process, allowing fans to choose from a shortlist of six names.
As Boston Legacy FC prepares to make its mark in the NWSL, the team is focused on building a legacy that honors the past while paving the way for future generations of players and fans. With a new name and a fresh start, the team is poised to become a significant player in the world of women’s soccer.
Originally Written by: Jeff Kassouf
