Boston’s NWSL Franchise Set to Change Name After Controversial Launch

Boston’s National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) franchise, set to debut in 2026, has announced plans to rebrand following significant criticism over its initial name. The franchise, launched last October as BOS Nation FC, faced backlash due to its anagrammatic reference to “Bostonian” and its accompanying marketing campaign titled “Too Many Balls,” which drew numerous criticisms for being inappropriate.

Apologies and Commitment to Community Feedback

In response to the immediate backlash, the team took swift action, retracting much of its marketing approach. Although leadership had refrained from confirming a name change until now, the franchise has promised that a new name will be revealed within the upcoming weeks. An updated logo and branding will follow, expected to be unveiled in the summer.

Majority owner Jennifer Epstein expressed gratitude toward the fans, 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.”

Challenges Ahead for the New Franchise

Boston’s journey in the NWSL began when the league awarded the city an expansion franchise in 2023. However, the team faces multiple challenges ahead of its expected launch. One significant hurdle involves securing the necessary renovations for White Stadium, which will host the team. The original budget for the renovations has reportedly doubled, and ongoing legal and political obstacles remain a concern.

Mayor Michelle Wu has been an advocate for the project for nearly two years, and her upcoming reelection bid has brought additional scrutiny, especially from mayoral candidate Josh Kraft, who is closely linked to the New England Patriots and Revolution ownership.

Timeline for Launch

Demolition of the aging White Stadium commenced last month, prompting a race against time to prepare the facility for the NWSL season beginning next year. NWSL Commissioner Jessica Berman indicated that the league anticipates launching the Boston franchise alongside a new team from Denver in 2026, bringing the total NWSL teams to 16.