Boston's NWSL team chooses former Barcelona executive as GM, sparking debate on experience

In December 2024, Boston, United States, announced the appointment of Domenec Guasch as the first general manager for its National Women’s Soccer League expansion team. This team, referred to as BOS Nation, is slated to join the NWSL as the league’s 15th team and is scheduled to begin play in 2026. This expansion comes at a time when the NWSL is growing rapidly, with expectations of a 16th team being added by the end of the current year. Guasch's role will be pivotal as he faces the challenge of building a competitive roster without the advantage of an expansion draft, a significant shift introduced by the league's new collective bargaining agreement with its players’ union. This agreement, which was adopted in September 2024, has eliminated both expansion and college drafts, making Guasch's task even more demanding. Furthermore, in his previous position with FC Barcelona, where he served for 13 years, he gained invaluable experience, particularly in women's football management, during which he oversaw various critical functions including recruiting and contract negotiations. In a statement addressing his new role, Guasch expressed enthusiasm for the opportunity to construct a team from scratch, highlighting his commitment to creating a lasting legacy for the fans and the city. He articulated his eagerness to begin the process of assembling a top-notch coaching staff and player roster capable of competing effectively at the highest levels of the sport. Guasch’s experience at FC Barcelona may serve him well as he transitions into this new role, potentially affecting the dynamics and success of women's soccer in Boston and the NWSL.