Gotham FC news roundup: Kayla Duran's new deal and international players

NJ/NY Gotham FC continues to get closer to the start of the 2026 NWSL season. Yes, this is being repeated often, but the excitement of entering the NWSL Championship defending campaign is growing. Expectations are high, especially with the idea that the Bats should end the regular season with more wins and a higher than eighth-place finish in the standings. Plus, consistency seems to be a theme these days, for many players from last year were extended.

Still, the team continues to build for 2026, and players are continuing with the preseason, either with national teams or with the NJ/NY team. So, check out the next Gotham FC news roundup.

Kayla Duran will remain with Gotham FC

Similar to Katie Stengel, Kayla Duran's status with Gotham FC was unknown heading into the 2026 season. She was only signed through the FIFA Women's Champions Cup, and the team still needs all of the defensive depth and help that they can get. So, fans finally received an answer to whether she would remain with the club.

Gotham announced on Friday that not only did the team extend Duran through 2026, but she is also signed through 2027 as well. The new deal comes after she had a decent start to her NWSL career, and again shows that Bats are investing in the youth. Sure, it has not been perfect, but Juan Carlos Amorós has turned young players with potential into everyday players in the NWSL.

Still, Duran was one of the players whom she could have signed again or gone elsewhere. But Gotham knew she could act as a depth piece and hopefully develop into a stronger defender. Hence, like they have done with multiple players over the last year, the NJ/NY side extended her, continuing the theme of consistency.

Supporters should expect Duran to earn more minutes this season, but she must cotinue to grow.

Gotham FC and international duty

Multiple Gotham FC players are with their national teams for the international break. Some players were already announced last week, but earlier this week, the Bats also announced that Bruninha will play with Brazil, and Stella Nyamekye will be with Ghana.

In total, that means that the NJ/NY side will have 11 players away on international duty. Of course, many fans will be focusing on the four USWNT players who will participate in the SheBelieves Cup. The annual tournament begins Sunday, and the Stars and Stripes will play Argentina, Canada, and Colombia.

Gotham FC fans can watch Rose Lavelle, Lilly Reale, Jaedyn Shaw, Emily Sonnett, and the rest of the USWNT in person at Sports Illustrated Stadium on March 7.