BOS Nation considers name change after public backlash
A month after Boston’s NWSL expansion team BOS Nation launched its brand, the club appears to be considering a name change following a name and brand rollout that was widely criticized.
The team, which will join the league in 2026, said Tuesday it has launched a process to “seek, listen to and consider” input on its name from fans, supporters and “a group of advisors which have come together to reflect a wide range of players. voices and perspectives.”
“We want to assure you that we have heard your feedback and are actively listening,” a statement from the club said. “We share your high expectations and together we will build a legendary club that reflects the essence of the beautiful game and the character of our dynamic city.”
We appreciate that you push us to be the best we can be. For more information about how we work and to share your views, please visit: pic.twitter.com/pfuBI1XMUp
— BOS Natie FC (@NWSLBoston) November 26, 2024
The team’s name and brand rollout was accompanied by a “Too Many Balls” marketing campaign featuring cameos from current and former Boston male athletes, including Tom Brady and David Pastrnak, declaring that there are “too many balls in this city . The campaign was met with widespread public backlash, including from some who called the reporting transphobic.
In the wake of the announcement and criticism, the team released a statement saying it “missed the mark” in the brand launch campaign and apologizing to the LGBTQ+ community and more specifically the trans community.
“We are proud to be part of the most inclusive sporting league in the world and are committed to upholding the unifying values that define the NWSL and our club,” the club said at the time. “Thank you to everyone who held us accountable by calling on us to do better. We listen to you and we will do this together.”
Tuesday the club a list of ways outlined it is working to “create a club that represents the strength, diversity and passion” of the community, including by hosting forums with fans and other stakeholders, assembling a group of brand advisors and listening to public feedback.
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(Photo: Barry Chin/The Boston Globe via Getty Images)
