Gotham FC midfielder Jaelin Howell has pledged her future to the club by signing a contract extension that will run through the 2028 NWSL season.
On Thursday, the club announced that the 26-year-old midfielder agreed to a new deal. After putting pen to paper on her new deal, Howell spoke of her delight to remain part of the Bats’ core.
Howell Reacts to New Contract
“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.”
Since joining Gotham in December 2024, Howell has been vital to the cause as she’s appeared in all but one regular-season match. Her 2,246 minutes played are the second-highest single-season total in club history.
Yael Averbuch West Praises Howell’s Leadership and Impact
General manager and head of soccer operations Yael Averbuch West outlined why Howell has been such a valuable component in Gotham’s winning machine.
“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.”
Numbers Illustrate Howell’s Value To Gotham FC
Through five league matches in the new NWSL campaign, Howell has been ever-present. She has logged 450 minutes, recorded seven tackles, completed 202 accurate passes, nine interceptions and 11 headed duels won.
Gotham’s No. 7 has completed 85 percent pass accuracy, 100 percent successful dribbles and a 64 percent tackle percentage.
Last season, Howell contributed four goals in 28 NWSL matches. The 5-foot-8 midfielder registered a total of five goal contributions, setting a new career high.
She also drew the most fouls in the NWSL last season and ranked among the league leaders in duels (340), finishing third overall and second overall with 214 duels won. Her aerial ability was apparent as she recorded the fourth-most aerial duels (101) and aerial duels won (69).
Howell started in and played the entirety of Gotham’s title-winning victories at the 2025 Concacaf W Champions Cup final and 2025 NWSL championship.
Her role in those successes was crystal clear. Should Gotham lift more trophies in 2026, she will undoubtedly played a big part.
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