New NWSL club Bay FC announces Lucy Rushton as GM

Bay FC, the recently announced NWSL side from the Bay Area, is not wasting time getting organized ahead of its 2024 debut season. Their recent addition as general manager, Lucy Rushton, brings Major League Soccer and Premier League experience, as well as tried-and-true data analytics expertise to the role.

"We're committed to building a world-class organization for our fans and our community, and that starts with being the best we can be on the soccer field," said Bay FC CEO Brady Stewart.

"Lucy's career as a trailblazer in the EPL and MLS speaks for itself. Her data, analytics and process-driven approach to the game will set the tone for how we build this club, and I'm thrilled to be working with her."

Rushton's role will include recruitment and development efforts to a club with a mission and vision of providing high-quality resources and opportunities to its players and staff.

"I want every player to want to play for Bay FC and know that we will give them the platform to develop, progress, and achieve their dreams," Rushton said in a statement.

She was most recently D.C. United's general manager and before that, she headed the technical recruitment and analysis for Atlanta United. Prior to that, she spent over seven years as a senior performance analyst with British side Reading FC and saw them promote into the EPL after a first-place finish in the Championship's 2011–12 season.

A gender trailblazer in the men's side of the sport, Rushton's hire hints to the club's professional desires and hunger for NWSL silverware.

"Lucy has been a barrier breaker her entire career, and she's a perfect fit for the culture we're seeking to build at Bay FC," said Alan Waxman, co-chair of Bay FC and co-founder and CEO of Sixth Street Partners, the global investment firm backing the club. "We will set a new standard for what a women's professional sports franchise can be, and Lucy's addition is a big next step toward that goal."

USWNT legend Aly Wagner, co-founder, and chair of the club, is excited ahead of Rushton's data-driven involvement in the creation of the inaugural team.

"We’re excited to combine forces with Lucy to bring our football vision to life as we build our roster," she said. "Her background and expertise in utilizing data and analytics will push our club and the women's game to the next level."