The National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) witnessed a remarkable upheaval this Wednesday as the midfield landscape for the 2026 season underwent a significant transformation. This shake-up was propelled by two monumental trades involving distinguished USWNT midfielders Claire Hutton and Croix Bethune, marking an unprecedented chapter in the league’s transactional history, as reported by our news portal.
Historic Transfers Reshape the NWSL Midfield
Croix Bethune, who earned the distinguished titles of 2024 NWSL Rookie of the Year and Midfielder of the Year, is set to leave the Washington Spirit, making a high-profile move to the Kansas City Current. This trade, valued at a staggering $1 million, stands as one of the league’s most expensive intra-league transactions.
Meanwhile, Claire Hutton will be joining Bay FC following her instrumental role in guiding the Kansas City Current to clinch the 2025 Shield. Her transfer commanded an even higher fee of $1.1 million, further underscoring the escalating valuation of elite midfield talent within the NWSL.
These two deals are ranked among the top three most lucrative trades conducted exclusively within the NWSL, surpassed only by the $1.25 million transfer involving USWNT striker Jaedyn Shaw. The escalating financial stakes reflect the growing competitiveness and investment in the league’s talent pool.