On Friday, Gotham announced it had signed Whitham to a pro contract, effective Jan. 1. It also signed the U.S. youth international to a national team replacement contract, which allowed her to be eligible for Sunday’s Summer Cup match.
Whitham has been training with Gotham throughout 2024 after joining the club’s preseason as a non-roster invitee. At 13, the forward scored the winning goal for Gotham against Deportivo Cali in a preseason match in Colombia.
In February, Whitham made headlines by signing a name, image and likeness (NIL) deal with Nike , becoming the youngest athlete in any sport to sign an NIL deal with Nike.
Who are the youngest players to play American professional team sports?
NJ/NY Gotham FC's McKenna Whitham makes her pro debut against the Washington Spirit at Subaru Park in Chester, Pennsylvania. Bill Streicher, USA TODAY Sports
Here are the youngest players to debut in American sports leagues (since 1970, according to the Elias Sports Bureau):
➤ NWSL: McKenna "Mak" Whitham (NJ/NY Gotham FC on July 28, 2024) – 14 years, 1 day
➤ MLS: Cavan Sullivan ( Philadelphia Union on July 17, 2024) – 14 years, 293 days
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