NATICK, Mass. — The announcement of Boston’s new NSWL club didn’t go over so well, and a well-timed comment from Hilary Knight added to the controversy.
BOS Nation FC was revealed as the club name for Boston’s NWSL club in October. The video announcement centered around a “too many balls” campaign that didn’t earn favor with fans, even if Tom Brady was featured in it. The club issued an apology for an ad campaign that had shades of anti-LGBTQ messaging. It also issued a statement this week expressing more fan input ahead of its debut in 2026.
While the main four men’s Boston teams were featured in the announcement video, eagle-eyed fans noticed an omission of the Fleet or any of the other pro women’s sports teams in the city. It was an interesting time for Knight to tag BOS Nation FC.
“Hey @NWSLBoston can we be friends?” Knight posted on X on Oct. 15.
There wasn’t an official response or follow-up, but Knight had more to say about her social media post at Fleet media day on Nov. 12.
“I hope we’re friends. What’s exciting for me and us is that we’re going to have another program — another women’s program — at this level in Boston,” Knight said. “Absolutely, it’s great. Anytime we can lift each other up — obviously, it was a little cheeky message — but I’m really excited for a football club to be here. Really excited to support them and see games. We’re a few years out but can’t come soon enough.”
BOS Nation FC still needs to name a head coach and general manager. However, Knight and the Fleet are preparing for their second season in the PWHL starting this Saturday against the Toronto Sceptres.
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