Gotham FC Extends Midfielder Jaelin Howell Through 2028 Season

Gotham FC midfielder Jaelin Howell has signed a contract extension through the 2028 season, the club announced Thursday. 

Howell, 26, has established herself as a cornerstone of Gotham’s midfield since being acquired from Seattle Reign FC, providing a consistent, physical presence that drives both the defensive effort and transition play. Widely regarded as one of the top defensive midfielders in the league, her ability to win possession, absorb pressure and dictate tempo has made her essential to both Gotham’s midfield structure and the team’s overall success.

That importance was magnified during a career-best 2025 campaign, in which Howell helped lead the Bats to an NWSL Championship. She scored four regular-season goals and finished with five goal contributions after entering the year with just three total. She appeared in all but one match and logged 2,246 minutes, the second-most in a single season in club history.

“I’m really excited to continue with Gotham FC and keep building on what we’ve created here,” Howell said. “This is a special group, and I’m grateful to be part of a team that pushes each other every day to be better.”

Gotham general manager and head of soccer operations Yael Averbuch West pointed to Howell’s all-around impact as vital to the club’s success.

“Jaelin has been a key contributor since she joined our club, and she’s an important presence in our midfield,” Averbuch West said. “Her leadership, work rate and ability to impact both sides of the ball make her a valuable part of our team, and we’re excited to have her continue with us.”

Howell’s influence extended well beyond the attack. She ranked first in the NWSL in fouls drawn and finished among the league leaders in duels, placing third overall with 340 and second in duels won with 214. She was equally dominant in the air, ranking fourth in both aerial duels (101) and aerial duels won (69), while also putting together a stretch of three goals in seven matches during the season.

With her role in Gotham’s success firmly established, Howell figures to remain central to the club’s ambitions moving forward. If Gotham adds to its trophy haul in 2026, her influence in the midfield will likely be a major reason why.