NWSL and Olympic Champion Signs Three-Year Contract in Return to the United States
SAN JOSE, Calif. (Aug. 10, 2026) – Bay FC announced today that the club has acquired defender Jenna Nighswonger (25) from Arsenal WFC for an undisclosed transfer fee. The 2023 NWSL Champion and Rookie of the Year and 2024 Olympic Champion with the United States has signed a contract through 2028 to return to the NWSL after a two-season spell abroad in England’s Women’s Super League.
“Jenna is another great addition to our squad, showing real quality both sides of the ball,” said Head Coach Emma Coates. “Her experience in the NWSL & WSL will add another dimension to our group. I believe she has the character and football intelligence to make a strong impact here and I’m excited to work with her day to day supporting this next chapter in her career.”
“I’m really excited to return to the NWSL and begin this next chapter with Bay FC,” said Nighswonger. “I have a lot of confidence in what this group can accomplish moving forward, and I’m ready to get to work and help the team compete.
Well decorated in just her fourth year at the professional level, Nighswonger joins Bay FC with a collection of individual and team honors in tow at the amateur and professional ranks. A 2021 NCAA champion at Florida State, she joined Gotham FC as the fourth overall selection in the 2023 NWSL Draft. Her first season saw her earn NWSL Rookie of the Year and Best XI Second Team distinction in addition to a trophy as Gotham won the NWSL Championship title. She helped her club to the semifinals her sophomore campaign, appearing in all 26 regular season matches and earning NWSL Best XI First Team honors.
Nighswonger appeared in 46 regular season matches through 2024 before moving to English power Arsenal in January 2025, joining a London side that went on to win the 2024/25 UEFA Champions League later that year. She tallied five appearances for Arsenal before joining Aston Villa on loan for the second half of the 2025/26 WSL season, becoming a regular in manager Natalia Arroyo’s side. In Birmingham, she appeared in eight matches (five starts) with one assist.
Nighswonger has represented the United States internationally throughout her youth and senior career. She helped the U.S. to a trio of trophies in 2024, winning gold at the 2024 SheBelieves Cup and 2024 Olympic Games in Paris, as well as a confederation title at the 2024 Concacaf W Gold Cup. Prior to making her senior debut, she helped the U.S. U-20 squad to the 2020 Concacaf title as part of a squad featuring a bevy of future NWSL and national team standouts including Portland Thorns FC forward Sophia Wilson, Washington Spirit forward Trinity Rodman, and Seattle Reign FC goalkeeper Claudia Dickey.
Bay FC continues its two-match road stretch next Friday, as the club visits the Utah Royals in Sandy, Utah, August 14. Kickoff is set for 7 p.m. PT, and the match will broadcast live on NWSL+. The club returns home Sunday, August 23, when the Houston Dash visit the Bay Area for the club’s Black Heritage Match. Tickets remain available at BayFC.com/tickets.
