Sam Kerr has returned to the National Women's Soccer League (NWSL), signing with NJ/NY Gotham FC on a free transfer through 2030. The 32-year-old Australia striker, who last played in the US in 2017 for Sky Blue FC (now Gotham), rejoins a vastly transformed club that has won two NWSL Championships in three seasons.
Kerr's return is described as "a landmark moment for our club" by Yael Averbuch West, Gotham's president of soccer operations. The move marks a homecoming for one of the league's all-time greats, who remains the NWSL's top scorer with 77 regular-season goals, despite a seven-year absence.
Kerr's Achievements Since Leaving the NWSL
During six and a half years at Chelsea, Kerr scored 116 goals, becoming the club's joint all-time top scorer alongside Fran Kirby. She won the Women's Super League Golden Boot twice, five WSL titles, three FA Cups, three League Cups, and reached a Champions League final. She also earned five Ballon d'Or nominations.
Kerr's return comes after a 22-month absence due to an ACL tear suffered in 2024. In her final season at Chelsea, she scored seven goals in 18 WSL appearances and six in Champions League games, but struggled for consistent playing time amid squad transition.
Why Gotham FC?
Kerr cited the club's winning culture and elite players as key factors. "I wanted to play with the best players in the world, like everyone does, and they are that," she said, naming USWNT stars Rose Lavelle and Emily Sonnett. Her wife, Kristie Mewis, who played for Gotham during their 2023 championship season, also informed her decision.
The NWSL's child-friendly policies, including childcare provisions in the latest collective bargaining agreement, were another consideration, as Kerr and Mewis are recent parents to a son, Jagger.
Impact on Gotham FC and the League
Gotham FC announced a permanent move to Queens, New York, starting in 2028, with a new soccer-specific stadium, Etihad Park, shared with MLS side NYCFC. The move places the team closer to millions of potential fans. Mayor Zohran Mamdani highlighted an affordability initiative offering $5 tickets for 1,000 fans, which sold out within an hour.
Kerr's signing coincides with this announcement, boosting the club's profile. Gotham currently sits seventh in the NWSL standings but has won three trophies in three years, including the 2026 Challenge Cup. The team's defensive record is strong, but Kerr is expected to provide additional firepower in attack.
Kerr's debut is anticipated at the "Queens Classic" on March 26 against Washington Spirit, a rematch of the 2025 NWSL Championship final, which aims to set a women's sporting attendance record at Citi Field.
