With General Manager, Domè Guasch, and first-ever Head Coach, Filipa Patão , in place, all the pieces are coming together to build a team that Boston can be proud of.

Whether you’re a longtime fan of the women’s game or a new fan (welcome👋), here’s a guide to how Boston will go about signing its first players, what tools they can use, and what you can expect in the months ahead.

In the past, expansion teams built rosters through the NWSL Draft and Expansion Draft but under the new collective bargaining agreement between the NWSL and the NWSLPA , both drafts have been eliminated in favor of a more modern and flexible approach to player movement. To replace them, the NWSL recently announced new mechanisms for Boston and fellow expansion team Denver to hit the field next season.

What is allocation money?

Allocation money is bonus money NWSL teams can use to fund player salaries beyond the salary cap or used in transfers and trades.

How is that different from the salary cap?

The salary cap ($3,500,000 in 2025 with the addition of the NWSL’s new revenue sharing) is a hard limit on the total amount a team can spend on player salaries. Allocation money is a flexible way to spend more than that without penalty.

How much can Boston spend?

Boston Legacy FC will have access to $1,065,000 in allocation money starting July 1, 2025. The funds can be used through the end of 2027, giving the club the means to sign players now and throughout its first two seasons. In contrast, non-expansion teams in 2025 have access to $500,000 in allocation money through December 31, 2026 (unless they purchase or trade for more) which means Boston has almost double the money to sign top talent.

What are transfer funds?

Transfer funds let NWSL teams sign a player who’s still under contract with another team. In 2026, each team will have a $605,000 net transfer fee threshold, but through summer 2026, Boston and Denver will have an additional $968,000 on top of that to make up for the lack of drafts. 

What is a free agent?

A free agent is a player whose contract is ending on December 31, 2025.

When can Boston sign free agents?

Boston and every other NWSL team can negotiate with any free agent starting July 1, 2025 . A list of eligible free agents will be provided by the NWSL at the start of the 2026 Free Agency Period . Free agents can join their new team at the end of their current contract.

Can Boston sign players from other countries?

Absolutely. The NWSL is one of the top destinations for some of the biggest international players in the world. At the end of May, 108 NWSL players represented their national teams across 30 countries and 14 NWSL clubs, with most of those hailing from outside the U.S.

How many can Boston sign?

NWSL teams have 7 international roster spots to sign players who are not U.S. citizens or green card holders. They can trade for more spots or trade away their current spots if they don’t intend to use them.

Boston can already start building a roster with players who are:

• College players who have foregone their 2025 fall season and have not already signed a professional contract with another team

• Out-of-contract domestic players

• Out-of-contract international players

They can also loan out players to NWSL and non-NWSL teams but are subject to the approval of the NWSL and consent of the loaned players.

Playing Style

Head Coach Filipa Patão is known for her tactical creativity and adaptability. She recently told ESPN that her teams “like to have the ball” and described herself as “chameleonic” so expect Boston to sign players who can press, move fast, and solve problems in tight spaces.

When to Expect Player Signings

Soon 😉

Where and When Will the Team Play

Boston Legacy FC will take to the field in 2026 at Gillette Stadium. Secure your seats now and be there for the making of history.