November 25 – Thousands of fans thronged the streets of lower Manhattan on Monday as the newly crowned National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) champions Gotham FC rolled through to celebrate their title.
Players, with medals hanging from their necks, stood atop two double-decker buses, lifting the trophy high and passing it from teammate to teammate, sharing the moment. When the caravan reached City Hall, confetti cannons erupted, coating the crowd as the squad stepped onto a blue-and-black stage. Mayor Eric Adams then presented each player with a key to the city.
“This team sheltered the hopes and dreams of New Yorkers, of the entire Garden State and New York,” Adams said. “It showed time and time again that you never can be counted out because you have the New York City grit, resiliency and determination.
“You have inspired thousands of soccer fans and young girls and boys to believe in themselves, to be brave, to be bold and to be fierce, fuelled by the team slogan, ‘Always build, never finish.’”
Gotham FC earned the NWSL title Saturday night at PayPal Park in San Jose, California, beating the Washington Spirit 1–0. It marked their second championship in three seasons, following their 2023 win over the Seattle Reign.
That victory didn’t come with a public celebration, something that frustrated both the club and its supporters. City Hall made sure that wasn’t repeated.
“This championship win was not just for us on this stage, but it was for all of you,” captain Mandy Freeman said. “All the fans, old and new, who showed up when it was cold, when it was raining, when we were winning and especially when we were losing. Your unwavering loyalty is everything.”
Jaedyn Shaw brought the crowd to its feet with the line that defined Gotham’s season: “One last time, the quote heard around the league, underdogs, my ass! Thank you, New York.”