Photo Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
Bay FC has confirmed the signing of U.S. Women’s National Team fullback Jenna Nighswonger from Arsenal in a deal reportedly valued at approximately $200,000, according to ESPN. This signing marks Nighswonger’s return to the National Women’s Soccer League, where she began her career and rose through the ranks prior to her transfer to Arsenal in the Women’s Super League.
Nighswonger was selected No. 4 overall by Gotham FC in the 2023 NWSL Draft, and she made an impactful debut season. She played a key role by starting in 20 regular season matches and all three playoff games, contributing significantly to Gotham’s NWSL Championship triumph in 2023. Her impressive performances also earned her the title of NWSL Rookie of the Year.
The Florida State University alum’s stellar season led to her first call-up by the U.S. Women’s National Team, culminating in her debut in December 2023. Since then, she has made 20 appearances for the USA, playing a vital part in the team’s gold medal victory at the 2024 Olympics. Nighswonger’s last outing for the national team was in February 2025.
After her successful inaugural season, Gotham FC sold Nighswonger to Arsenal in January 2025 for a fee around $100,000. However, her time at Arsenal was limited, as she played in just five league matches. Nighswonger was part of the squad that claimed the UEFA Women’s Champions League title in 2025 but did not see any action during that campaign.
In the first half of 2026, Nighswonger was loaned to Aston Villa within the Women’s Super League, where she saw more game time, participating in eight league matches. Despite Aston Villa’s option to sign her on a permanent basis post-loan, the club ultimately chose not to pursue the deal.
As Bay FC looks to strengthen its squad under the guidance of new head coach Emma Coates, the franchise is hopeful that Nighswonger will elevate their performance on the pitch. She joins a lineup that includes notable signings like Claire Hutton and Kennedy Fuller, alongside the recently acquired Argentine forward Agostina Holzheier. Currently, Bay FC finds itself in 14th place in the standings with 18 points from a record of 5 wins, 3 draws, and 9 losses.
