Washington Spirit Trade Croix Bethune to Kansas City in NWSL Deal

Croix Bethune, a midfielder for the U.S. Women’s National Team, has been traded from the Washington Spirit to the Kansas City Current in a deal that sources describe as the third-largest in National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) history.

The transfer, finalized on Wednesday, sees Bethune join the Current in what has been reported as a seven-figure move. The Washington Spirit are set to receive a record-matching fee for the 24-year-traditional player, according to sources familiar with the transaction.

Alongside Bethune’s move, Claire Hutton, also a USWNT midfielder, has been acquired by Bay FC in a separate seven-figure transfer. These two deals represent significant financial activity within the NWSL, signaling a growing investment in player talent.

Kansas City Current announced the signing of Bethune, highlighting her addition to the reigning NWSL Shield winners. The club did not disclose the specific financial details of the transfer, but confirmed the acquisition from the Spirit.

The Washington Spirit completed the trade as part of a broader strategic move, yielding a substantial return for a key player. The specifics of what the Spirit will do with the funds received from the transfer have not been publicly disclosed.