Boston’s NWSL Team Faces Name Change Amidst Controversy
In a move that has been eagerly anticipated by fans and critics alike, Boston’s 2026 NWSL franchise announced on Friday that it will officially change its name following a highly-ridiculed launch last fall. The team initially introduced itself as BOS Nation FC, an anagram for “Bostonian,” but the name, along with its marketing campaign “Too Many Balls,” was met with immediate national blowback. Many found the campaign offensive, prompting the team to apologize and retract most of its marketing efforts.
Despite the backlash, club leadership had previously been non-committal about changing the name. However, the recent announcement confirmed that a new name will be revealed “in the next few weeks,” with an updated wordmark and crest expected to follow in the summer. This decision marks a significant step in the team’s efforts to rebuild its image and connect with its fan base.
Majority owner Jennifer Epstein expressed gratitude to the supporters, stating, “The club extends our heartfelt thanks to our supporters, whose passionate voices we deeply value — not just for their unwavering support but also for their honest and critical feedback. We could not have completed this process without your input. We aim to build a lasting legacy that makes all our fans feel welcome, connected, and proud to wear our colors and cheer our name for generations to come.”
Challenges Ahead for Boston’s NWSL Franchise
Boston was awarded an NWSL expansion franchise in 2023, but the team continues to face several hurdles ahead of its expected launch a year from now. The entire expansion bid hinges on an ambitious private-public partnership with the city of Boston to renovate White Stadium and share the space with Boston Public Schools athletics. However, the budget for the stadium has roughly doubled since it was first proposed in 2023, and the plan faces ongoing legal and political challenges.
Boston Mayor Michelle Wu has been a staunch supporter of the project for nearly two years. However, with her reelection campaign underway, the stadium has become a focal point for mayoral candidate Josh Kraft, the son of billionaire New England Patriots and New England Revolution owner Robert Kraft. The political dynamics surrounding the stadium project add another layer of complexity to the team’s preparations for its inaugural season.
Stadium Renovation and Timeline
Demolition of the dilapidated 66-year-old White Stadium began last month, leaving less than a year to reconstruct the stadium and have it ready for the next NWSL season. The tight timeline has raised concerns about whether the stadium will be completed in time for the team’s debut.
NWSL commissioner Jessica Berman addressed these concerns last week, stating, “Our current expectation is that we will be ready to launch [Boston] in 2026.” The league’s confidence in the project’s timeline is crucial as Boston is slated to launch alongside a team from Denver next year, which will bring the NWSL to 16 teams.
Looking Forward
As the team prepares for its debut, the focus will be on overcoming the challenges that lie ahead. The name change is a positive step towards building a strong connection with the community and creating a brand that fans can rally behind. With the support of the city and its fans, Boston’s NWSL franchise has the potential to become a significant player in the league.
- Boston’s NWSL team to change its name after backlash.
- Stadium renovation faces budget and political challenges.
- Team expected to launch in 2026 alongside Denver.
The journey to the 2026 season is filled with both challenges and opportunities. As the team navigates these waters, the support of its fans and the city will be crucial in ensuring a successful launch and a bright future in the NWSL.
Originally Written by: Jeff Kassouf
