Bay FC has reached an agreement to sign U.S. Women's National Team winger Jenna Nighswonger from Arsenal for approximately $200,000, sources confirmed to ESPN. This move marks Nighswonger's return to the National Women's Soccer League (NWSL), where she previously won a championship and earned international recognition with the USWNT.

Nighswonger, who has 20 caps and two goals for the United States, was part of the 2024 Olympic gold medal-winning team. Her recent stint in Europe included a loan to Aston Villa for the first half of 2026, after which Aston Villa declined their option to buy. Gotham FC had initially sold Nighswonger to Arsenal in January 2025 for about $100,000.

Nighswonger began her NWSL career with Gotham FC, selected as the No. 4 overall pick in the 2023 Draft, where she was named NWSL Rookie of the Year and helped the team win its first championship. Primarily playing as a full-back or wing-back for club and country, Nighswonger will now join Bay FC, aiming to bolster the team's offensive capabilities. Bay FC, currently 14th in the NWSL standings, has been actively rebuilding under coach Emma Coates, with recent acquisitions including midfielder Claire Hutton and forwards Kennedy Fuller and Agostina Holzheier.