Bay FC, the highly-anticipated National Women's Soccer League expansion team set to begin play in 2024, has made significant progress in shaping its organization over the past six months. Led by CEO Brady Stewart, the team has been on a mission to build a strong foundation and establish its presence in the soccer world.

Since Stewart's arrival in June as the team's inaugural CEO, Bay FC has faced the challenge of simultaneously developing the team's long-term vision and handling practical matters such as email address structure. With the goal of delivering an innovative and engaging consumer experience, the team aims to bring an attractive, attack-minded brand of soccer that is instantly recognizable, drawing inspiration from FC Barcelona.

The progress made in the past few months includes crucial hires, such as Lucy Rushton as the team's general manager, and the appointment of Albertin Montoya as the first head coach. Rushton, with her experience at Atlanta United in MLS, brings expertise in establishing a winning culture and finding the right coach to fit the team's style of play. Montoya, who had been advising the team, will now take the lead as the head coach.

The team's recruitment process was not without challenges, as Rushton joined Bay FC a month prior to the 2023 World Cup, limiting the availability of top coaches. Nonetheless, through careful consideration and interviews with prospective candidates, Montoya emerged as the clear choice for the team's first coach.

Building the roster for an expansion team like Bay FC is akin to solving a jigsaw puzzle, where each signing has a domino effect on other positions and the salary cap. The team's first official signing was midfielder/defender Alex Loera, who arrived via trade with the Kansas City Current. Caprice Dydasco, a free agent full-back, was considered the team's first-ever signing in the eyes of Rushton, with the official signing occurring a few days after the Loera trade was announced.

Bay FC's approach to roster construction involves careful evaluation of player valuations, while also considering the growth of player salaries and the competitive international market. The team acknowledges the challenges of signing top international players, with high demand from other NWSL teams.

In addition to roster-building, the team is focused on engaging with the San Jose community and generating revenue through various means, including ticket sales and sponsorships. Bay FC's lead investor group, Sixth Street, has facilitated connections with organizations like the San Antonio Spurs, providing valuable insights on team culture.

With the expansion draft approaching, Bay FC anticipates selecting additional players and finalizing its roster. The team aims to make a splash in the San Jose market, following the success of expansion teams like Angel City and San Diego Wave FC in Southern California.

As the inaugural season draws closer, Bay FC is on track to become a major player in the NWSL, with a strong foundation and an ambitious vision for the future of women's soccer.

Title: Bay FC Makes Strides in Building Organization Ahead of Inaugural NWSL Season