The NWSL’s newest franchise will be called BOS Nation FC

Using an anagram of the term “Boston,” the newest franchise in the National Women’s Soccer League revealed its name on Tuesday: BOS Nation Football Club.

The club’s identity, which is a departure from the traditional use of the city’s name, “does not only represent the fans, but indicates a collective identity consisting entirely of its fan base,” the team said in a statement.

The team plans to debut as the NWSL’s 15th franchise in 2026. BOS Nation FC unveiled their branding with the “Too Many Balls” campaign, a pun on the number of popular 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, brand identity, and even in the tongue-in-cheek tone of the campaign being unveiled,” Jennifer Epstein said. The controlling 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 female-led ownership group, each of whom has made a significant impact in Boston,” Banks said in a statement. “Our inspiring team of investors, combined with their vision for the stadium, will leave a lasting legacy for future generations of female athletes and fans.”

Boston was last home to an NWSL team in 2017.

The Boston Breakers participated in the first five seasons of the NWSL before folding in early 2018 after a potential sale of the team fell through.

The Breakers brand has endured through three leagues, first in the Women’s United Soccer League (2001-2003), then Women’s Professional Soccer (2009-2011) and then in the National Women’s Soccer League.

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

The name has received widespread negative feedback from fans since it was leaked on Monday night. On Tuesday, the team’s Independent Supporters’ Association expressed its general disappointment with the name and ad campaign, and a separate online petition to change the name has already garnered hundreds of signatures.

“Our hope is that the team will listen to the concerns raised by its fans and carefully reconsider its branding options moving forward,” the fans’ statement read.

The team plans to renovate Boston’s White Stadium in a public-private partnership that has received significant support from Boston Mayor Michael Wu.

In the partnership, Boston Public Schools will use the stadium more frequently for its year-round sports programs, with NWSL teams having access to the stadium for games.

The project has received significant opposition from residents, and construction has not yet begun before what is expected to be the first NWSL game in 2026.

Boston will begin play in the National Football League alongside a 16th team, which the National Football League is expected to select in the coming weeks.

The BOS Nation FC logo will be revealed later.

“Championship Green” will remain the team’s primary color — and has been used for temporary branding since the team was announced last year — drawing comparisons with the NBA champion Boston Celtics.

The Epstein family has minority ownership of the Celtics.

The brand’s signature colors are “Relentless Raspberry, Loyal Charcoal, Daring Pink, Rise Yellow and Orange Press, which speak to the rich diversity of Boston’s neighborhoods and team values ​​and signal a new era in the city’s sports scene.”