NJ/NY Gotham FC recently made history by signing 13-year-old McKenna “Mak” Whitham, making her the youngest player ever to sign a contract in the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL). The team announced this groundbreaking contract a day before Whitham’s 14th birthday. Whitham signed a three-year guaranteed contract with the club through 2028, as mandated by the NWSL’s under-18 entry mechanism. This mechanism allows teams to sign underage players without going through the draft, with strict protocols in place to ensure safety, health, and long-term development.
Although Whitham’s contract officially begins on January 1, 2025, she is already available to play in Gotham’s Summer Cup matches after signing a National Team Replacement Player contract during the international window. As early as Sunday, Whitham could make her debut in Gotham’s game against the Washington Spirit, part of the NWSL x Liga MX Summer Cup.
Expressing her excitement, Whitham stated to ESPN, “I’m not going to be cocky about it. I’m going to stay humble and keep developing. My goal is to be a top player in the NWSL, and I know that Gotham will help me achieve that.”
This move follows a growing trend of teenagers joining the NWSL, with players like Olivia Moultrie and Chloe Ricketts making waves in the league at a young age. Whitham’s signing represents a significant moment in women’s soccer, showcasing the league’s commitment to fostering talent from a young age while prioritizing the well-being and development of its players.