Kansas City, Feb. 11, 2026 – The Kansas City Current officially announced the acquisition of midfielder Croix Bethune, who earned the 2024 NWSL Midfielder of the Year and Rookie of the Year honors and won Olympic gold with the United States at the 2024 Games. The transfer from the Washington Spirit involves $900,000 in intra-league transfer funds and an additional $100,000 in allocation funds, with Bethune’s contract secured through the 2027 season.
Club Leadership Highlights Bethune’s Fit with Kansas City Current’s Vision
Co-owners Angie and Chris Long expressed enthusiasm about adding Bethune to the squad. They underscored the Kansas City Current’s commitment to nurturing young elite talent, emphasizing that Bethune’s vibrant playstyle and ability to excel in high-pressure situations align perfectly with the club’s championship-focused ambitions.
“We are excited to welcome Croix to Kansas City,”
said Angie and Chris Long.
“The Kansas City Current is the preeminent example of a club attracting, investing in and developing elite young talent like Croix. Croix is a remarkable player who brings such an infectious joy to the sport, thrives in big moments and creates opportunities for herself and for her teammates. She shares the same championship-winning mindset that is paramount at the Current, making her a perfect fit for our club.”
Croix Bethune’s Rapid Rise in International and Professional Soccer
Bethune first broke into the United States Women’s National Team (USWNT) in mid-2024 and was named an alternate for the U.S. Olympic team shortly afterward. She appeared in three group stage matches at the 2024 Olympics and made a key substitution against Australia on July 31, helping the team earn a gold medal. Her debut for the USWNT occurred in a friendly against Mexico on July 13, 2024, and she netted her first international goal in a 5-0 victory over Chile in January 2026.
Youth and Collegiate Achievements Shape Bethune’s Elite Profile
Hailing from Alpharetta, Georgia, Bethune boasts an impressive youth national team background. She contributed to the United States Under-15 team’s victory at the 2016 Concacaf U-15 Championship, earning Best XI honors, and played a vital role on the U-17 squad that won the 2017 Concacaf U-17 Championship and competed in the 2018 FIFA U-17 World Cup. She also participated in U-23 friendlies in 2022, underscoring her steady climb through the national team ranks.
Kansas City General Manager Praises Bethune’s Versatility and Determination
Ryan Dell, the Kansas City Current’s general manager, lauded Bethune for her exceptional creativity, tactical flexibility, and mental strength, emphasizing her value on and off the field as the team prepares for future success.
“Croix is an exceptional playmaker with limitless potential,”
said Ryan Dell.
“Her elite creativity and passing ability combined with her tactical versatility – plus her resilience and passion – make her a great fit for our club, on and off the pitch. We are thrilled to welcome Croix to Kansas City and are excited about the future of our team.”
Outstanding Rookie Season and Professional Impact in the NWSL
After being selected third overall in the 2024 NWSL Draft by the Washington Spirit, Bethune delivered one of the most distinguished rookie campaigns in league history. She recorded five goals and matched the single-season assists record with 10 in only 17 regular-season matches before a season-ending injury sidelined her. Recognized as NWSL Rookie of the Month four times and earning three NWSL Best XI of the Month nods, she culminated the year by winning Rookie of the Year and the inaugural Midfielder of the Year award.
Returning to action in April 2025, Bethune posted two goals and two assists across 20 games. Her pivotal semifinal goal against the Portland Thorns helped Washington secure a second consecutive championship final. At the close of the 2025 season, she was named to the NWSL Best XI Second Team, affirming her status among the league’s top players.
Bethune Expresses Gratitude and Excitement About Joining Kansas City
Croix Bethune conveyed her enthusiasm upon joining the Kansas City Current, highlighting the club’s energy, unity, and dedication to advancing women’s sports.
“I am incredibly grateful and excited to officially join the Kansas City Current family,”
said Bethune.
“It is an honor to represent a club that exemplifies relentless energy, togetherness and a world-class commitment to elevating women’s sports. It’s Teal Time, KC BABY!”
Collegiate Success at USC and University of Georgia
Bethune’s college career began at the University of Southern California (2019–22), where she scored 26 goals and contributed 23 assists in 50 appearances. Overcoming an injury in her freshman year, she earned First Team All-Pac-12 honors for three straight seasons and was named Pac-12 Midfielder of the Year twice. Additionally, she received First Team All-America status as a junior and senior and was a semifinalist for the coveted MAC Hermann Trophy during those seasons.
In 2023, Bethune returned closer to home to complete her graduate season at the University of Georgia, delivering four goals and five assists in 15 games. This performance earned her Second Team All-Southeastern Conference and All-America honors, while she also secured the 2023 SEC Tournament MVP after leading the Bulldogs to their first conference title.
Significance for Kansas City and Future Prospects
The addition of Croix Bethune represents a strategic step forward for the Kansas City Current as they aim to solidify their status in the National Women’s Soccer League and contend for championships. Her proven talent, international experience, and leadership qualities are expected to enhance the team’s midfield dynamics significantly. With Bethune under contract through 2027, the club not only gains a game-changing player but also strengthens its ongoing commitment to developing elite talent and maintaining a winning culture.
As the 2026 season unfolds, all eyes will be on how Bethune integrates into the Current’s playing style and how her contributions help the team pursue league titles and further elevate women’s professional soccer.
