The NWSL's newest franchise is called BOS Nation FC

Using an anagram for the term “Bostonian,” the National Women's Soccer League's newest franchise unveiled its name on Tuesday: BOS Nation Football Club.

The club's identity, which marks a departure from the traditional use of a city name, “represents not only the fans but represents a collective identity consisting solely of its fan base,” the team said in a statement.

The team plans to compete as the NWSL's 15th franchise in 2026. BOS Nation FC introduced its brand with the “Too Many Balls” campaign, a play on words about the number of famous men’s sports teams in Boston and the need for more women’s sports.

“This is an important moment for women’s sports in Boston – and for Bostonians to see that they are fully represented in the team name, the brand identity and even the tongue-in-cheek tone of the unveiling campaign,” said Jennifer Epstein. Majority owner of BOS Nation FC said in a press release.

Actress and producer Elizabeth Banks and Olympic gymnastics champion Aly Raisman were also announced Tuesday as new investors in the team.

“I am thrilled to join this ownership group led by women, each of whom has made a remarkable impact on Boston,” Banks said in a statement. “The inspiring team of investors, along with their missionary vision for the stadium, will leave a lasting legacy for future generations of athletes and fans.”

The last time Boston was home to an NWSL team was in 2017.

The Boston Breakers competed in the first five seasons of the NWSL before exiting in early 2018 after a planned sale of the team fell through.

The Breakers brand competed in three leagues, first the Women's United Soccer Association (2001-2003), then Women's Professional Soccer (2009-2011) and then the NWSL.

BOS Nation FC is trying to distinguish itself as a completely new brand.

The name has received widespread negative feedback from fans since its release on Monday night. On Tuesday, the team's independent supporters association expressed public disappointment with the name and advertising campaign, and a separate online petition to change the name had already garnered hundreds of signatures.

“We hope the team listens to the concerns of its fans and carefully considers its branding decisions moving forward,” the fans’ statement said.

The team plans to renovate Boston's White Stadium through a public-private partnership that has received significant support from Boston Mayor Michelle Wu.

Under the partnership, Boston Public Schools would make the most use of the stadium for its athletic programming throughout the year, with the NWSL team having access to the stadium for games.

The project has faced significant opposition from local residents, and groundbreaking has yet to take place for what is expected to be the first NWSL game in 2026.

Boston will play in the NWSL alongside a 16th team that the NWSL is expected to select in the coming weeks.

The BOS Nation FC logo will be revealed later.

“Championship Green” remains the team's primary color – used for temporary branding since the team was announced last year – and draws comparisons to the reigning NBA champion Boston Celtics.

Epstein's family owns a minority stake in the Celtics.

Accent colors for the brand include “Relentless Raspberry, Loyal Charcoal, Daring Pink, Rise Yellow and Orange Press,” reflecting the rich diversity of Boston’s neighborhoods and the team’s values, signaling a new era in the city’s sports landscape.