President Joe Biden made a historic statement on Monday as he welcomed the 2023 National Women's Soccer League champions, Gotham FC, to the White House. This marked the first time in the league's 11-year history that a team received an invitation to the presidential residence.
During the ceremony, President Biden emphasized the importance of representation at the highest levels, highlighting Vice President Kamala Harris's position as the Democratic nominee for president. He commended the team for setting an example both on and off the field, particularly in the areas of sports medicine and healthcare focused on women.
Gotham FC, hailing from the New York and New Jersey area, secured their first NWSL championship in 2023 with a 2-1 victory over Seattle Reign FC. The team's remarkable journey to success was underscored by their turnaround from finishing last in the league the previous year.
The White House event featured Gotham players, staff, ownership, and NWSL commissioner Jessica Berman, with a celebratory performance of “We are the Champions” by a live band. President Biden praised the team's resilience in overcoming adversity and never giving up, despite facing doubts about their ability to turn things around.
Following their recent 1-0 win over the Utah Royals, Gotham FC is set to compete in the playoffs once again. President Biden expressed optimism about the team's prospects for a second victory and potential return to the White House, jokingly requesting an invitation to attend and listen, even though he won't be in office.
This White House invitation to a professional women's soccer club marks a significant moment, as the last such event occurred in 2010 with the Women's Professional Soccer league. The winning team at that time, Sky Blue FC, later rebranded as Gotham, was honored during President Barack Obama's administration.
