NWSL's newest expansion side announced as 'BOS Nation FC' with team set to debut in 2026

A new professional women's soccer team is coming to Boston, as Bos Nation FC will begin play in 2026

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  Boston has been awarded a 2026 NWSL expansion team, with the club announcing its name as "BOS Nation FC."

  The primary colors of the club will be "Championship Green," according to the team. It draws similarities to the NBA's Boston Celtics, with whom they share a majority owner in with Jennifer Epstein. The accent colors will be "“Relentless Raspberry, Loyal Charcoal, Daring Pink, Rise Yellow and Orange Press."

  The team's permanent crest will be launched at a later date.

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  THE BIGGER PICTURE

  The team will play their matches at recently renovated White Stadium in the Jamaica Plain/Roxbury neighborhood of Boston.

  Investors in the company include Hollywood actress Elizabeth Banks, and former USA olympic gymnast Aly Raisman.

  “I grew up a Boston sports fan and have special memories of going to Celtics, Bruins, Red Sox and Patriots games with my dad,” Raisman said in a statement. “It’s so important for kids to see themselves in their role models and I’m grateful to have the opportunity to support the growth of women’s soccer and sports in my hometown.”

  Banks, who produced films such as Pitch Perfect 2 and Cocaine Bear, added "I am thrilled to join this female-led ownership group, each of whom has made a remarkable impact in Boston. The inspiring team of investors, along with their mission-driven vision for the stadium, will leave a lasting legacy on future generations of women’s athletes and fans.”

• WHAT'S MORE?

  Epstein and Banks appeared on CBS Mornings on Tuesday, speaking on the founding of the club name and what creating a professional women's soccer team in the city entails.

  "BOS Nation, it starts with the word Bostonian - those nine letters that make up that word are so meaningful to those of us that come from there, and when you rearrange those letters, it's an anagram, and you get the words BOS Nation," Epstein said.

  "That was very intentional because this team name is fan-centric, fan-first. And our new identity is made up of the diverse communities that live in our strong city, and have a love - or will soon to have a love - of the world's beautiful game."

  Banks, who is a local to the city, said the opportunity to support women's sports was a motivating factor in her joining the group.

  "I am a proud Massachusetts native and huge sports fan, I didn't want to pass up the opportunity to get involved with this female fronted team in Massachusetts, a great new sports franchise in Boston," she said. "I didn't grow up playing soccer, and I didn't grow up watching women play sports on television, and I feel like this is the moment right now women's sports are peaking. We are seeing so many people get involved, and I didn't want to miss out on that opportunity."

• WHAT NEXT FOR BOS NATION FC?

  The team is set to hold an announcement Tuesday in downtown Boston, where Raisman, Boston mayor Michelle Wu and former USWNT star Sam Mewis will all be present.

  A club badge, more information and hirings will all be announced in the near future.