Sam Kerr Officially Announces NWSL Move After Chelsea Exit

It’s back to the beginning for Matildas captain Sam Kerr.

Twelve days ago, ESPN’s Jeff Kassouf reported that Kerr, 32, had “agreed to terms” with Gotham FC of the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) following her exit from Chelsea.

Gotham FC and Kerr confirmed the move Monday, noting that the star Australian forward is signed through the 2030 season.

According to Gotham FC’s Instagram post, Kerr racked up 78 goals, 24 assists, 18 match-winning goals, 11 match-winning assists, 10 braces, and four hat tricks across all NWSL competitions during her first stint in the league. She was also a two-time NWSL MVP.

Kerr also announced the news alongside former USWNT and NWSL midfielder Kristie Mewis, Kerr’s wife, on “Mewis Squared,” Kristie and Sam Mewis’ podcast on The Women’s Game under the Men in Blazers Media Network.

Kerr began her career in the NWSL with the since-defunct Western New York Flash from 2013-14 before moving to Sky Blue FC from 2015 to 2017. (Sky Blue rebranded as Gotham in 2021.) Kerr then played for the then-Chicago Red Stars (now the Chicago Stars FC) from 2018 to 2019 before signing with Chelsea of the English Women’s Super League.

With Chelsea, Kerr won five WSL titles - and two WSL Golden Boots - three FA Cups, and three League Cups. In her final game for Chelsea on May 16, Kerr scored a goal against Manchester United - her 116th goal for the club, tying Fran Kirby as Chelsea’s all-time leading goalscorer.

Kerr and Mewis wed in Australia on New Year’s Eve after welcoming their first child, Jagger, in May 2025. Mewis played for Gotham from 2022 to 2023, winning the 2023 NWSL championship, and said on “Mewis Squared” that she never wanted to leave the New York- and New Jersey-based franchise.

“It’s just so full-circle, and it’s just really, really, really exciting,” Mewis said. “I think Sam is gonna do so well there. I think the team is incredible, and the organization is just - I really, really, really enjoyed my time there. I mean, I basically only left because I wanted to be with Sam.”

Gotham is fresh off topping the Kansas City Current to win the 2026 NWSL Challenge Cup on Friday, June 26, and are the reigning NWSL champions. Kerr is expected to make her Gotham debut against the Washington Spirit in the Queens Classic at Citi Field on July 15, per ESPN, though that has not been confirmed.

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This story was originally published June 29, 2026 at 10:35 PM.