The mass exodus continues as Jenna Nighswonger leaves Gotham FC for Arsenal | OneFootball

The offseason before the 2025 season is not what NJ/NY Gotham FC fans envisioned when the Bats were knocked out of the NWSL Playoffs in the semifinals and began preparing for the new campaign. Yes, they knew some players would depart via free agency, as players like Sam Hiatt and Delanie Sheehan did. Although, Sheehan's departure was unexpected.

They did not realize there would be a mass exodus though. Some players like Michelle Betos and Kelley O'Hara retired, so losing those players is understandable. Then, it was expected that Gotham would make a few trades. However, nobody thought that players like Yazmeen Ryan and Lynn Williams would request trades while Crystal Dunn and the team parted ways.

Jenna Nighswonger is the latest to leave Gotham FC

The mass exodus does not make sense, and sadly, it haunts the Bats as the preparations for 2025 continue. As originally reported by Meg Linehan of The Athletic, Gotham FC confirmed on Thursday that Jenna Nighswonger is moving to Arsenal Women Football Club for an undisclosed fee. Notably, the forward-turned-defender is one of many NWSL players who are making the jump to Europe this January.

Nighswonger's transfer came as a surprise, similar to many Gotham FC departures. She is turning into a star and many thought she could become that star player for the NJ/NY team. There is a reason she was the Rookie of the Year in 2023 and eventually became a regular player with the USWNT.

Truthfully, Nighswonger's versatility of being able to play as a forward and a defender would have been a plus for Gotham after losing so many players. She was expected to be the starting left-back, but could have played up top when needed. In addition, with so many rookies on the team this year, the player could have been a great resource for the younger players since she was in that position just two years ago.

So, why is Nighswonger leaving? Did the opportunity to play abroad for a top Women's Super League side persuade her to request the move from the Bats? Is there an issue at Gotham FC that has led her and so many others to leave? Could salary have influenced her departure? Was it another reason?

Nevertheless, losing the talented Nighswonger after everyone else in the mass exodus is just another shock to the league and Gotham FC supporters. Unquestionably, her transfer adds fuel to the skepticism fire that has taken over the club. At this rate, it is easy to wonder whether there is more to the story.