Boston Legacy FC Will Play at Gillette Stadium in Its Inaugural Season
The Boston Legacy FC, a NWSL expansion team for 2026, will play its entire first home season at Gillette Stadium, located in Foxborough, Massachusetts. The decision is due to delays in the renovation of its proposed stadium.
“With the 2026 NWSL season starting in 10 months, Boston Legacy FC will play its inaugural season at Gillette Stadium before moving to its permanent home at White Stadium in 2027,” stated a Boston Legacy spokesperson.
Spokesperson’s Statement
The statement went on to explain that, although construction of White Stadium is underway, it will not be completed by March 2026, the usual start date for the NWSL season.
Gillette Stadium is home to the New England Revolution of MLS and the New England Patriots of the NFL. In addition, it will host seven FIFA World Cup matches next summer.
The Boston Legacy FC ownership is renovating the dilapidated White Stadium in Boston’s Franklin Park as part of a public-private partnership with Boston Public Schools.
Originally, White Stadium was scheduled to reopen in March 2026, but it has faced several setbacks, including a lawsuit from a local conservation group to halt the project. Demolition of the old structures began earlier this year.
The move to Gillette Stadium, a stadium with a capacity of 65,000 spectators and artificial turf, represents another challenge for the Boston franchise, approved as an NWSL expansion team in early 2023.
The group announced earlier this year the name change to Boston Legacy FC. The team was originally introduced as “BOS Nation FC” last October. The name and associated marketing campaign, titled “Too Many Balls”, were subject to criticism.
Boston was awarded an NWSL expansion team subject to the completion of stadium renovations.
“Expansion is our opportunity to shape the future of the league and establish not only the contractual requirements for those clubs, but also the league’s oversight to ensure that deadlines are met,” stated Commissioner Berman.
Commissioner Berman
The project has almost doubled its original cost, exceeding $200 million. The Boston Legacy, led by principal owner Jennifer Epstein, is responsible for half of the renovations and costs.
Boston Public Schools athletic activities will have priority in event scheduling at the stadium. Boston Legacy FC will be able to use the stadium for up to 20 matches a year, with certain restrictions.
Gillette Stadium is owned by the Kraft Group, which also owns the Revolution and the Patriots.
Josh Kraft, son of the CEO and chairman of the Kraft Group, Robert Kraft, is running for mayor of Boston.
The Kraft Group is trying to build its own soccer stadium in Everett.
“Gillette Stadium is pleased to welcome Boston Legacy FC for its inaugural season in 2026. After being contacted by the club, Gillette Stadium was proud to support the team and provide a world-class venue for Boston Legacy FC and its fans to promote the advancement of professional women’s soccer in New England.
Statement from Kraft Sports and Entertainment
