Boston`s National Women`s Soccer League (NWSL) expansion team has officially announced its new name: Boston Legacy Football Club. This renaming follows a period of reflection after their initial choice, BOS Nation FC, was met with criticism.
Awarded the 15th NWSL franchise in September 2023, Boston has had an extended period to prepare for their inaugural season in 2026. Denver NWSL, the 16th expansion club announced in January, will also debut in 2026. The unveiling of the Boston Legacy FC name comes after the team addressed negative reactions to a previous marketing campaign and the BOS Nation FC moniker.
Team owner Jennifer Epstein commented, “Our name is just the beginning. It is what we collectively build through dedication, commitment, and determination that will bring it to life. We want our values to embody the spirit of Boston – a city known for competition, passion, and pride. We also aim to honor the pioneers who came before us, including those who established women`s professional teams in Boston. Looking forward, we are dedicated to future players and fans who will continue to build upon our foundation.”
Following negative feedback online and from local supporters regarding the original name, the club issued a public apology to the LGBTQ+ community and fans for any offense caused by the marketing campaign. They also pledged to improve their engagement and inclusivity going forward.
As a first step in their revised approach, the club actively listened to fan feedback. They conducted a public survey with 1,500 participants and gathered over 500 name suggestions through social media, survey responses, and advice from experienced individuals in the women`s soccer community.
Subsequently, over 400 invitations were extended to those interested in more focused discussions to gather detailed feedback. These smaller sessions helped the club refine the criteria for the definitive team name, which needed to:
- Honor the rich history and diverse communities of Boston
- Celebrate women`s soccer
- Unite the majority of Bostonians
- Be immediately understandable
- Stand the test of time
- Avoid themes related to colonial history, the Revolutionary War, and nautical elements
- Respect the themes already used by existing Boston women`s professional teams
The organization plans to announce the official team colors and crest at a later date. However, the recent name announcement suggests the team will maintain a bright green color in their branding. Boston Legacy FC`s launch will mark the return of an NWSL franchise to the New England region for the first time in nearly a decade.
The previous NWSL franchise, the Boston Breakers, ceased operations before the 2018 season after competing in both the WUSA and WPS leagues. Now, as Boston takes to the field, they will proudly wear kits displaying the club name Boston Legacy.
Kristine Lilly, former USWNT midfielder, two-time World Cup champion, and advisor to the club during the renaming process, shared her enthusiasm: “It`s always a positive development when women`s professional soccer returns to Boston. I am excited to watch Boston Legacy build a club for a new generation while respecting the contributions of those who developed the game. This is an exciting time for women`s soccer, and I look forward to supporting Boston Legacy.”
