Gotham FC builds a champion NWSL roster with strategic planning

The reigning NWSL champions have mastered roster construction within the league's salary cap rules

Mar. 20, 2026 at 10:03am

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Gotham FC, the reigning NWSL champions, have built a championship-caliber roster through strategic planning and roster management within the league's strict salary cap rules. The club's general manager, Yael Averbuch West, and director of scouting, Richard Gunney, have worked to create a consistent and aligned approach to recruiting, spending, and roster development, ensuring the team remains competitive year after year.

Why it matters

Gotham's success highlights the importance of understanding and leveraging the NWSL's rules and regulations to build a winning roster. As the league's salary cap continues to rise at a slower pace than player salaries globally, clubs like Gotham must be innovative and strategic in their roster construction to retain top talent and remain competitive.

The details

Gotham FC has taken a methodical approach to roster building, making key signings in the offseasons to supplement their core group of players. In 2024, they signed a quartet of USWNT stars, and in 2025, they brought in players like Lilly Reale and Jaedyn Shaw. This year, the club focused on roster stability, aiming to solidify the core of their team. The club's scouting department, led by Richard Gunney, has also played a crucial role, identifying and signing top prospects like Jordynn Dudley and Andrea Kitahawa. Gotham's head coach, Juan Carlos Amoros, has also been instrumental in the team's success, leading them to the NWSL championship in his first season.

  • Gotham FC won the 2025 NWSL Championship in November 2025.
  • Gotham FC celebrated their championship win with a parade in New York City on November 15, 2025.
  • Gotham FC opened the 2026 NWSL season with a win against Boston Legacy on March 15, 2026.
  • Gotham FC signed former Chelsea star Guro Reiten on loan in March 2026, with a free agent move planned for the summer.

The players

Yael Averbuch West

The general manager and head of soccer operations for Gotham FC, who has been instrumental in the club's strategic roster planning and development.

Richard Gunney

The director of scouting and roster development for Gotham FC, who has played a key role in identifying and signing top talent for the club.

Juan Carlos Amoros

The head coach of Gotham FC, who led the team to the NWSL championship in his first season with the club.

Tierna Davidson

The captain of Gotham FC, who is expected to make her long-awaited return from an ACL injury this season.

Jaedyn Shaw

A 21-year-old forward who joined Gotham FC in 2025 for a $1.25 million transfer fee and has since become a key player for the team.

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What they’re saying

“Winning a little bit is relatively easy, but winning a lot and winning consistently over a long period of time is incredibly hard, and that part of the project is really what I'm focused on. How do we make this the norm at Gotham? That's the puzzle now.”

— Yael Averbuch West, General Manager and Head of Soccer Operations, Gotham FC

“We do a really good job of making match day fancy and glamorous, but the reality is behind the scenes, you want it to be as boring, as consistent, as predictable as possible.”

— Richard Gunney, Director of Scouting and Roster Development, Gotham FC

“It's key to have some continuity when you are successful, and to build on that. The first year we obviously (had) changes that looked great on paper, because they were fantastic players and people. But sometimes you also need to look at the whole environment that you are going to create, and you have to rebuild it. We knew we had the tools.”

— Juan Carlos Amoros, Head Coach, Gotham FC

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

Gotham FC's success in building a championship-caliber roster within the NWSL's strict salary cap rules highlights the importance of strategic planning, consistent roster management, and a deep understanding of the league's regulations. As the NWSL continues to grow, clubs like Gotham will need to remain innovative and adaptable to retain top talent and maintain their competitive edge.