Sofia Cook's contract extension with Gotham FC could be too soon

Sofia Cook was one of the many rookies signed by NJ/NY Gotham FC in 2025. Injury slowed her ability to see the pitch early on in the season, but over time, she became a solid player off the bench, and has the potential to earn more minutes in 2026.

At the same time, there are still unknowns, which is why it was interesting to see that the Bats signed Cook to a contract extension, keeping her with the club through 2028. Hence, Gotham FC continues to extend current players to create some form of consistency with the roster. At the same time, there is the question of whether this move was too early.

Sofia Cook has a new contract with Gotham FC

Cook did not play as much in the NWSL as she did when she was first available after injury, and made just 10 overall appearances. She did play in the CONCACAF W Champions Cup group stage, where she started all four fixtures. However, it might have been smart for Gotham to wait and see how she will do during this campaign.

Remember, there are already so many midfielders who can start on the team. Yet, Cook is only 21, and expectations were not high for her last year. Plus, Gotham believes in her potential and stated that.

"Sofia is a talented player with a very bright future ahead,” Yael Averbuch West, the general manager and head of soccer operations, told gothamfc.com. “We’re excited to continue supporting her development and believe this is an environment where she can really thrive.”

The NJ/NY team is clearly extending the player based on what she can possibly bring down the line. And, in complete honesty, if Cook does not work out despite the contract, then a trade next year or in 2028 is always possible.

Ideally, Cook will prove herself, continue to grow, and eventually turn into a solid contributor for Gotham.

Meanwhile, the contract extension is proving the club's direction of consistency. After the great exodus during the offseason between 2024 and 2025, it was alluded that retaining players would be a goal. And so far, after all of the extensions during the previous campaign and the offseason, this is holding true.

But is it posible Gotham FC is extending to many players, and not looking elsewhere for those who might be a little better than some of those extended? Truly, only time will tell, just like only time will tell whether Cook will turn into the player the team believes she can be.