When Boston’s NWSL team unveiled its original name last year, the reaction was less than enthusiastic.
The BOS Nation FC moniker, an anagram for “Bostonian,” was at best confusing for many fans. To make matters worse, the “Too Many Balls” marketing campaign tied to the name’s launch was poorly received and scrubbed almost immediately.
Now, after announcing it was officially changing its name earlier this month, the team unveiled its new identity on Wednesday: Boston Legacy Football Club. The name is meant to pay homage to the city’s history and sporting legacy.
The club said the new name came after five months of listening to feedback from fans, research and consultation.
“Our name is just the beginning,” club controlling owner Jennifer Epstein wrote in a statement. “It’s what we build together, through dedication, commitment, and grit that will give it life. We aim for our values to reflect a city that breathes competition, passion, and pride, and to pay tribute to those who paved the way before us, including the gamechangers who helped build previous women’s professional teams in Boston. We are also focused on the future, for the next generation of players and fans who will carry forward what we build today.”
The club says it collected hundreds of name suggestions during the process before landing on Boston Legacy FC.
“It’s always a great day when women’s professional soccer is back in Boston,” Kristine Lilly, a former U.S. women’s national team midfielder and two-time World Cup champion, said in a statement. She advised the club during the renaming process. “I look forward to watching the Boston Legacy build a club for a new generation while honoring those who helped build the game.”
Boston Legacy aims to begin play next year. Currently, the team and city’s plan to use White Stadium as a home pitch for the team is at the center of a lawsuit from residents opposed to that idea. Closing arguments were last week, a judge is currently weighing a decision in the case.
The team said that there will be further announcements on the crest and branding in the following months.
