Morning Sports Update

Boston Legacy FC supporters group ‘disappointed’ team will play at Gillette Stadium in 2026

"Ultimately, while this may feel like a setback, we are excited to see Boston return to the NWSL in 2026 and remain inspired by the long-term vision for this club."

Gillette Stadium Patriots Boston Legacy FC
An exterior view of Gillette Stadium in 2024. AP Photo/Michael Dwyer

Boston Legacy FC will play at Gillette Stadium: After months of speculation, it was confirmed on Wednesday that Boston Legacy FC, the local NWSL expansion team, will play its debut season at Gillette Stadium in 2026.

This news comes after a lengthy debate (and court fight) over the renovation of White Stadium, which will be the team’s home upon completion.

“After nearly two years of community process, including more than 70 public meetings and a clear victory at trial, White Stadium construction is well underway, but will not be finished by March of 2026,” the club said in a statement. “We have selected Gillette Stadium as an alternate site for 2026 to ensure the consistent, high-level experience our fans and players deserve. It is a world-class facility that fulfills NWSL requirements for field specifications, capacity, and broadcast capabilities, and will provide a thrilling gameday experience for our fans in 2026.”

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The statement concluded by noting that “we look forward to welcoming our fans home to White Stadium in 2027.”

The Legacy will not be the only soccer happening at Gillette Stadium in 2026, with both the Revolution set to play their usual slate of games, as well as seven World Cup games.

In response to the news, the NWSL Boston Independent Supporters Association (the Legacy’s supporters group) released a statement of its own.

“We are disappointed to learn that Boston Legacy FC will be unable to play at White Stadium during their inaugural season,” noted the group. “While we always knew a delay was a possibility, we remained hopeful that the many obstacles to getting the stadium NWSL-ready would be surmountable by 2026.”

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In the long run, however, the supporters group remains excited for the team to get going.

“Despite this disappointment, we are extremely grateful that the team will play the 2026 season and has secured a temporary home at Gillette Stadium,” the Boston ISA board explained.

“Ultimately, while this may feel like a setback, we are excited to see Boston return to the NWSL in 2026 and remain inspired by the long-term vision for this club. We will continue to hold the team to its commitments—to be a true partner to the City of Boston, to support Boston Public Schools, and to invest deeply in our local communities.”

Trivia: What Mass. native women’s soccer player managed to win a college soccer national championship, an NWSL championship (which she did three times), and a World Cup title?

(Answer at the bottom.)

Hint: Her sister has also played for the U.S. national team, and is an NWSL champion in her own right.

Scores and schedules:

The Red Sox lost to the Mets 5-1 on Wednesday. Boston is scheduled to begin a four-game series against the Orioles at Fenway Park tonight at 6:45 p.m. (though it remains to be seen if the game will be played due to the current storm system).

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This weekend, the Revolution will be on the road to play Sporting Kansas City at 8:30 p.m.

More from Boston.com:

Spurs won a trophy: For the first time in 17 years, Tottenham Hotspur got to lift a trophy, defeating Manchester United 1-0 in Tuesday’s Europa League final.

On this day: In 1988, Larry Bird (34 points) and Kevin McHale (33 points) helped a combined Celtics effort to overcome Dominique Wilkins (47 points) and the Hawks in a 118-116 Game 7 win in the Eastern Conference semifinals.

On the flip side, the Bruins lost to the Oilers 6-3 in Game 3 of the Stanley Cup Final.

Celtics Hawks Game 7 1988

Daily highlight: What else could it be other than Tyrese Haliburton’s incredible game-tying shot in the Pacers’ Game 1 Eastern Conference Finals win over the Knicks?

Trivia answer: Sam Mewis

Hayden Bird

Sports Staff

Hayden Bird is a sports staff writer for Boston.com, where he has worked since 2016. He covers all things sports in New England.

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