Gotham FC officially released the roster decisions as the team looks toward 2026

After an up-and-down season that saw NJ/NY Gotham FC end the NWSL season in eighth place and still finish the year as the 2025 NWSL Champions, the Bats must look toward 2026. There were some questions about when the team would release the roster decisions. And finally, on Thursday, the club announced the end-of-the-season roster decisions.

As expected, there were not too many departures after Gotham FC spent time during the offseason to extend multiple players. Plus, there is always a chance of a transfer or trade between players or the use of intraleague transfer funds. But for now, most of the team is sticking together.

Gotham FC's roster decisions make sense

The NJ/NY side said goodbye to two players: Ella Stevens and Geyse. These moves made sense, but it is especially sad that Stevens is leaving to pursue other teams as a free agent. Her 2024 campaign was the best in her career. The forward scored seven goals and had four assists in the NWSL. She was vital to the team's best-ever regular season.

Hence, many were looking forward to what Stevens would do in 2025. Unfortunately, she struggled to start the year and then faced multiple weeks of injuries, hampering her chance to rebound from her rough start. So, with a few new additions joining the attack before and during the 2025 season, it was clear that the writing was on the wall.

It is sad that Stevens is moving on, but fans will be grateful for the time when she was successful. Hopefully, she will find a team where she can replicate the 2024 season with Gotham.

In addition, Geyse is returning to Manchester United Women Football Club after the completion of her loan deal. It was hoped that her time away from Manchester would see her turn into the productive player that she used to be. If she were successful at Gotham, then the club had the option to make the move permanent. The Brazilian could not find her needed form, and subsequently, she is returning to England.

Geyse scored two goals during the regular season, and it appeared like she was heading in the right direction. However, despite starting multiple games, she lacked production on the pitch too often. Her potential to return to her best form is there, though. Hopefully, she will find the team that allows her to shine.

Otherwise, at this time, they are the only two players leaving the club. The big question is whether Midge Purce will return. The team mentioned that they are speaking with the winger, which hopefully means she is giving the Bats the first chance to sign her before other NWSL teams. It would be great for her to return and sign a new contract that is longer than her year-long contract from last season.

Finally, there are two players who could leave after the 2026 FIFA Women’s Champions Cup, for their contracts end after then: Kayla Duran and Katie Stengel. Their futures will likely be decided after the tournament.

When all is said and done, Gotham FC's roster decisions were expected and made sense. Fans knew most players would be back given the extensions throughout the 2025 campaign. The club has been and will continue to build to become more competitive in the regular season and hopefully win another championship.