NJ/NY Gotham FC has made history by signing 13-year-old McKenna “Mak” Whitham, the youngest player to sign a contract in the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL). The team announced the agreement on Friday, just a day before Whitham’s 14th birthday.
The Contract:
Whitham signed a three-year guaranteed contract with the club through 2028, as required by the NWSL’s under-18 entry mechanism. The mechanism allows teams to sign underage players without acquiring them in the draft, with protocols to promote safety and health, as well as long-term development. Whitham’s contract will begin on January 1, 2025, but she is available to play in Gotham’s Summer Cup matches after signing a National Team Replacement Player contract during the international window.
Whitham’s Reaction:
In an interview with ESPN, Whitham said, “I processed it, and it’s still new to me. But, I mean, I’m not going to be cocky about it. I’m going to stay humble, and I’m still going to keep developing. My goal is to be a top player in the NWSL, and I know that Gotham will help me become that player.”
Background:
Whitham, a young forward on the U.S. Youth National Team’s U-15, became the youngest athlete to sign an NIL deal with Nike in February. She is the latest part of the trend of teenagers joining the NWSL, which started with Olivia Moultrie, who filed an antitrust lawsuit against the NWSL in 2021 after going pro at age 13.
Notable Developments:
Notably, the law in New Jersey, where Gotham plays and practices, prohibits 14-year-olds from working past 7 p.m., with limited exceptions. Per The Equalizer’s Jenna Tonelli, the club is working to secure a minor work permit so Whitham can be in compliance with New Jersey labor laws.
Whitham’s signing marks a significant milestone in the NWSL’s history, and her talent and dedication are sure to make her a force to be reckoned with in the league. As the youngest player in NWSL history, Whitham’s journey is one to watch, and her signing is a testament to the league’s commitment to developing young talent.
