Kansas City Current have secured midfielder Croix Bethune in a high-profile trade with Washington Spirit, sources confirmed to CBS Sports. This transaction, finalized but pending public announcement, involves a record-level fee paid to the Spirit, marking one of the most significant intraleague exchanges in NWSL history. This blockbuster player trade underscores the competitive moves shaping the league’s upcoming season.
Washington Spirit received nearly $1 million in transfer and allocation funds, joining the ranks of the league’s top-return trades. Previously, North Carolina Courage held the record for intraleague funds at $1.25 million after trading Jaedyn Shaw to Gotham FC last year. Bethune’s move to Kansas City follows her emergence as a standout midfielder and rising star in the league.
Croix Bethune’s Journey to Kansas City
Bethune arrives in Kansas City following a standout two-year run with Washington Spirit, where she earned the 2024 NWSL Rookie of the Year honor. In her debut season, she matched Tobin Heath’s decade-old assist record in just 17 games, despite suffering a season-ending torn meniscus. She was also the league’s first-ever recipient of the NWSL Midfielder of the Year award. Bethune’s exceptional play earned her a spot on the 2024 Olympic gold medal-winning U.S. women’s national team, where she has already earned seven caps.
According to sources, Bethune requested the trade to pursue new development opportunities. Multiple teams expressed interest in her services, but she chose to join Kansas City, the reigning NWSL Shield champions. Her playstyle is defined by sharp vision and precise passing, qualities that position her as a key playmaker to fill the void left by recent departing star Bia Zaneratto. The Brazilian forward’s contract with Kansas City expired, and she has since returned to Palmeiras.
Bethune’s rise has been marked by resilience, overcoming a torn meniscus and two ACL injuries in college. She earned two-time first-team All-American and Pac-12 Midfielder of the Year accolades during her collegiate career split between Southern California and Georgia. After recent national team camps and a brief preseason with Washington Spirit, the midfielder now prepares to bolster Kansas City’s lineup.
Washington Spirit Confirm Bethune’s Transfer
Following reporting by CBS Sports, Washington Spirit officially announced Bethune’s departure. The transfer yielded a club-record return, including $100,000 in allocation funds and $900,000 in transfer threshold funds, ranking as the third-largest intraleague transfer in NWSL history.
“We are grateful to Croix for her contributions over the past two seasons. After conversations about her desire to explore development opportunities in a different environment, we were able to structure a deal that honored her request while securing significant value for our club, making it the third-highest intra-league transfer in NWSL history and a top ten mark globally,”
said Haley Carter, club president of soccer operations.
“We evaluate every situation on its individual merits, and in this case, the alignment of player goals and organizational value made sense for all parties. That said, our focus is on the talented core we have returning. We’re heading into 2026 healthy, deep, and ready to win.”
Claire Hutton’s Move from Kansas City Current to Bay FC
In a complementary trade, Kansas City Current transferred midfielder Claire Hutton to Bay FC. This deal brought Kansas City $1.1 million in intraleague transfer funds for the 2025 NWSL Best XI honoree and U.S. women’s national team member.
“Claire is an important signing for us. She’s a top-quality player who is tight on the ball, and she has the mobility and physical presence to break up play,”
expressed Emma Coates, head coach of Bay FC.
“Despite her age she brings experience and a strong mentality, and we believe she has the potential to become one of the best midfielders in the world. The most exciting part for us is her desire to keep getting better, and we’re excited to support her through the next stages of her career and even more excited to see the impact she will have at Bay FC.”
At just 20 years old, Hutton is regarded as a rising star after being a finalist for the 2024 NWSL Rookie of the Year. Having signed her first professional contract with Kansas City at 17 under the Under-18 Entry Mechanism, she quickly became a regular starter. Hutton has appeared 13 times for the USWNT since her 2025 debut and recently undertook a leadership role as the youngest captain named under manager Emma Hayes.
Outlook for the New Season’s First Matches
Kansas City Current will host Utah Royals for their season opener at 4 p.m. ET on Saturday, March 14. On the same day, Bay FC will welcome expansion side Denver Summit with kickoff scheduled for 6:30 p.m. ET. Fans will eagerly watch how these recent trades influence team performances as the 2026 NWSL season begins.
The transfer of Croix Bethune represents a major shift in roster dynamics, potentially altering competitive balance in the league. With established talents like Bethune and Hutton now playing for new clubs, these moves signal a period of growth and renewed ambition across the NWSL.
