Gotham FC announced Thursday, they have signed a contract extension with midfielder Jaelin Howell through the 2028 season.
“I’m really excited to continue with Gotham FC and keep building on what we’ve created here,” said Howell. “This is a special group, and I’m grateful to be part of a team that pushes each other every day to be better.”
The 26-year-old played an important role in Gotham’s midfield in 2025 as a midfielder playing in nearly all NWSL regular season matches and appeared for the club
in the Concacaf W Champions Cup. She led the team in fouls drawn (40) and was also among the league’s best defenders in the midfield finishing all competitions finishing among league leasers in duels, third overall (340) and second in duels won (214).
“Jaelin (Howell) has been a key contributor since she joined our club, and she’s an important presence in our midfield,” said Yael Averbuch West, the general manager and head of soccer operations for Gotham FC. “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.”
The midfielder joined the league in 2022 after winning two NCAA championships with Florida State Univesity. Howell was drafted by Racing Louisville second overall and immediately became a key part of Racing Louisville as a rookie with over 1,800 minutes played and earned the captains armband in only her second year as a professional.
Howell was later traded to Seattle Reign halfway through the 2024 season, then later to Gotham FC in the offseason ahead of 2025 in exchange for allocation money, goalkeeper Cassie Miller and forward Lynn Williams.
Gotham FC did not get out to the best start to begin the 2026 season as they currently hold 13th place in the NWSL standings. The reigning champions play their next match at home on April 25, against Bay FC.
