USWNT coach Emma Hayes commends NYC Mayor Mamdani's affordable ticket scheme during 2031 World Cup prep tour
During a month-long assessment of NWSL clubs, the USWNT head coach praised New York City's $5 ticket initiative as a model for inclusive governance in the sport.
USWNT head coach Emma Hayes has publicly endorsed New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani's discounted ticket initiative for Gotham FC, citing the move as a vital step toward institutional accessibility in American soccer. During her recent tour of the United States, Hayes observed a match between Gotham FC and the Boston Legacy, where the mayor's scheme to sell 1,000 tickets at $5 each resulted in a sell-out within an hour.
Hayes emphasised that making the sport accessible to all is essential for its future, noting that deliberate inclusivity should be a core component of the national game's strategy. Her comments came as she concluded a weeks-long assessment of various NWSL clubs and training centres, a mission designed to monitor player development ahead of the 2031 Women's World Cup which the United States will co-host.
The London-based coach spent the month visiting multiple franchises including the Seattle Reign, Portland Thorns, Angel City, San Diego Wave, and Bay FC. During these engagements, Hayes discussed youth development challenges with club owners, specifically addressing the strategic needs of Seattle Reign shareholders Willow Bay and ex-Disney CEO Bob Iger.
A central theme of her discussions with stakeholders was the necessity of robust youth pathways. Hayes noted that American players often lack competitive experience at the U-20 World Cup level compared to their European counterparts, a deficit she argues hinders their transition to the senior national team. She pitched the importance of clubs supporting young players in these tournaments, framing it as crucial for building player brands and long-term club success.
Following her stakeholder meetings, the USWNT is scheduled to travel to Brazil in June for two friendly matches against the hosts. These fixtures are intended to serve as critical preparation for the upcoming qualification campaign, offering the squad a chance to acclimatise to the cultural and tactical intensity of the tournament venue.
Hayes, who described New York as her spiritual home where she began her coaching career two decades ago, concluded her American tour with a focus on sustainable growth. She indicated that while the team prepares for the Brazil trip, the broader goal remains ensuring that every young player entering the sport has the support structures required to remain in the game.
