NJ/NY Gotham FC has signed 13-year-old phenom McKenna Whitham to a historic three-year deal, making her the youngest-contracted player in the NWSL.
Whitham’s guaranteed contract, announced on the eve of her 14th birthday, will be effective beginning January 1, 2025, through 2028. The club also announced it has signed Whitham as a national team replacement player, with the teen available for selection at Gotham’s upcoming matches during the Olympic window.
“I am really excited to sign and begin my professional career with Gotham FC,” Whitham said in a club statement. “Gotham FC is a great place for me to continue to push myself as a player. I can’t wait to get to work and to continue to grow as a player with the great players, coaches and staff at Gotham FC.”
Whitham could join the squad as soon as Sunday when Gotham faces the Washington Spirit during the ongoing Summer Cup tournament at Subaru Park in Chester, Penn. Seven of Gotham’s players are in Paris for the Olympics representing the U.S. (Tierna Davidson, Jenna Nighswonger, Emily Sonnett, Crystal Dunn, Rose Lavelle, Lynn Williams) and Germany (Ann-Katrin Berger).
GO DEEPER
Meet McKenna Whitham, Gotham FC’s 13-year-old trainee
The teen is the first player Gotham has signed using the league’s U18 Entry…
