Boston Legacy Football Club: A New Era for Women's Soccer in Boston

In an exciting development for women’s soccer, Boston’s 2026 National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) expansion team has officially rebranded itself as “Boston Legacy Football Club.” This announcement comes five months after the initial branding rollout, which was met with considerable backlash from fans and the community.

The franchise was originally introduced last October under the name “BOS Nation FC,” accompanied by a marketing campaign titled “Too Many Balls.” This campaign aimed to highlight the lack of women’s professional sports in Boston, but it quickly fell flat, leading to the removal of most marketing materials within 24 hours. The name “BOS Nation” was intended as a clever anagram for “Bostonian,” but it failed to resonate with supporters.

Following extensive feedback from fans, majority owner Jennifer Epstein announced the change to “Boston Legacy FC,” emphasizing the importance of both the city’s rich history and its role as a center for future innovation. This new name reflects a commitment to honoring the past while looking forward to the future of women’s sports in the area.

To arrive at the new name, the club engaged in a “quantitative analysis process” of fan feedback. A survey was conducted among 1,500 fans and brand professionals, generating over 500 name suggestions. The selection process was rigorous, with criteria that included the need for a name that required no explanation—unlike the previous name—and one that could endure through time. Additionally, the team aimed to avoid themes related to colonialism, the Revolutionary War, and nautical elements, which are common in New England sports branding.

The Boston Breakers, a previous women’s professional soccer team, have left a lasting legacy in the area. They were one of the founding teams of the NWSL when it launched in 2013 but folded in 2017 due to financial difficulties. Epstein expressed a desire for Boston Legacy FC to honor those who paved the way for women’s soccer in the region while also focusing on building a strong foundation for future generations of players and fans.

However, the new franchise has faced challenges beyond branding. Plans to renovate the aging White Stadium, which will serve as the team’s home venue alongside Boston Public Schools sports teams, have sparked controversy among locals. The proposal has become a contentious issue in the upcoming mayoral race, with opponents arguing that it privatizes public land. A trial to halt the stadium plans is currently underway, with a decision expected in the coming days.

Construction costs for the stadium project have reportedly doubled from initial estimates made in 2023, and demolition at the site began a month ago. Despite these hurdles, Boston Legacy FC is set to begin play next year, joining another expansion team in Denver, which is currently undergoing a public team-naming process.

As the NWSL prepares for its expansion to 16 teams, Boston Legacy FC stands poised to make its mark in the league, embodying the spirit of competition, passion, and pride that the city is known for. With a new name and a commitment to building a legacy, the future looks bright for women’s soccer in Boston.