USWNT Transfer Grades:…

The NWSL’s inaugural transfer window incorporating the new “Rodman Rule” ended with a bang on Monday.

U.S. Women’s National Team forward Catarina Macario has officially joined the San Diego Wave, as confirmed by sources to ESPN. The contract runs through 2030 and is valued at approximately $8 million, making it the largest total contract in women’s soccer to date. The Wave is leveraging the new NWSL rule to compensate Macario accordingly.

Named after star player Trinity Rodman, the High Impact Player rule was introduced to ensure her retention with the Washington Spirit. Rodman is reportedly earning over $2 million annually, solidifying her position as the highest-paid player in the world.

These two signings—Macario and Rodman—underscore a typically bustling offseason in the NWSL, particularly concerning the movement of USWNT players (despite Rodman not changing teams, her contract situation dominated headlines).

Which USWNT players and teams made significant trades and noteworthy deals? Let’s dive into the report cards!

Note: All figures are derived from ESPN’s reporting, except those confirmed by teams.

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$300,000 transfer from Chelsea

Grade for Macario: A
Grade for San Diego: A

Last month, ESPN reported that the Wave were nearing a deal for Macario, likely aiming for a summer move on a free transfer. Finalizing the arrangement now for $300,000 is a savvy move for a Wave squad looking for a reliable No. 9 to lead their offense. Their opening weekend loss to the Houston Dash highlighted this need, as they dominated possession yet failed to score.

Investing $300,000 to secure an early transfer for Macario is worthwhile, especially since the $8 million package is structured to remain manageable under the new HIP rule.

For Macario, this deal is a homecoming; she relocated from Brazil to San Diego at the age of 12 in 2011, and the Wave’s training facilities are adjacent to those of her childhood club, San Diego Surf. Her desire to return home played a pivotal role in her decision, as previously reported by ESPN.

After an impressive collegiate career at Stanford, Macario took her first professional contract with Lyon in 2021, then moved to Chelsea in 2023. Now, she returns to San Diego with aspirations of staying fit and contributing significantly to the USWNT ahead of the 2027 World Cup in her home country, Brazil.

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Trinity Rodman re-signs with Washington Spirit

Grade for Rodman: A
Grade for Spirit: A

Rodman and the Spirit successfully navigated contract negotiations, setting a precedent that enables star players to receive fair compensation. This development is a major victory for both the athlete and the club, representing a significant shift for the NWSL.

The future of the HIP rule remains uncertain as the NWSL Players Association has raised concerns regarding its qualifications, but this deal marks a transformative moment for the league. Macario’s lucrative contract serves as further validation.

Rodman expressed a desire to remain with the Spirit, seeking equitable pay for her contributions, which she achieved with a record-setting deal. She continues to position herself as a key player for the team, something that may have been jeopardized had she opted for an overseas move.

Washington also managed to structure Rodman’s significant contract without straining their salary cap, thanks to the adept handling by new president of soccer operations, Haley Carter. As cliché as it sounds, this is a win-win-win situation.

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Free transfer from OL Lyonnes (arrival in summer)

Grade for Heaps: A
Grade for Denver: A-

Heaps’ storyline is hard to top; having grown up near Denver, returning home to lead a new club holds significant personal meaning for her. Making waves as the first American woman to sign professionally right out of high school, she’s spent the majority of her career in France but enjoyed an MVP-level stint with the Portland Thorns.

Now at 32, Heaps is set to return to her roots this summer as she takes charge of her ambitious hometown team.

This move is a brilliant strategy for Denver; Heaps brings considerable local fame and serves as a cornerstone player for a new team looking to establish itself in the league.

While her summer arrival may pose challenges for integration, this decision seems to be well thought out for both Heaps and Denver’s long-term strategies.

The true benefits will be visible in the 2027 season, which will mark Heaps’ first full year with the club (and notably, fellow Colorado native Sophia Wilson is potentially heading into free agency later this year).

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$1.1 million transfer from Kansas City Current

Grade for Hutton: B+
Grade for Bay FC: A+

Hutton quickly became a standout during her teenage years in Kansas City, gaining recognition as one of the top young players in the NWSL and putting her in contention for the USWNT roster. Given her trajectory, it’s likely she’ll secure a position on the upcoming World Cup team, with potential starting roles within reach.

This growth is attributable to Hutton herself, who has shown maturity beyond her years, alongside the developing opportunities provided by her early coaching under Vlatko Andonovski.

In Kansas City, she thrived, contributing to their championship aspirations. But with Andonovski now serving as sporting director, the team has undergone changes.

Hutton’s rising star caught the attention of both domestic and international clubs during the offseason. Her consistent appearances for the USWNT in 2025 qualified her for the HIP rule, providing her with lucrative prospects ahead of the expiration of her previous contract in 2026. Given these factors, a move away from Kansas City seemed inevitable.

At Bay, Hutton will step into a more prominent leadership role which could aid her international development. Since its launch in 2024, Bay FC has been searching for on-field direction, making Hutton’s arrival fortuitous as they work to establish a strong midfield presence.

Acquiring Hutton fills a major void for the team and signals their ambition to compete, potentially influencing future signings as well. The determination to bring her on board exemplifies a commitment to growth and competitiveness.

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$1 million transfer from Washington Spirit

Grade for Bethune: A-
Grade for Kansas City: A-

Bethune, named 2024 NWSL Rookie of the Year, made her move from the Spirit surprising, especially since she requested the transfer. She played a vital role in the Spirit’s consecutive runner-up finishes, and many had anticipated her contribution to another title run alongside Rodman.

However, Bethune emphasized the need for career development, which influenced her decision. Her debut goal for Kansas City in the season-opener was a gratifying early reward for her move.

For Kansas City, Bethune could serve as a long-term creative asset in their midfield. Concerns remain about overlapping roles with her and Debinha, but those challenges reflect a positive scenario, especially with Debinha’s eventual status uncertain.

In isolation, Bethune represents an excellent addition for the Current. However, in the broader context of losing Hutton in a simultaneous arrangement, questions have arisen regarding the collective strength of the midfield. Nevertheless, the cash aspects of the deal stand out: they traded Hutton but brought in Bethune for a net gain of $100,000.

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Undisclosed fee from Paris Saint-Germain

Grade for Gaetino: A
Grade for Denver: A-

Gaetino, a promising USWNT defender, transitioned back to the U.S. after a stint with PSG. Her timing aligns with the launch of a new franchise, offering her a competitive environment to showcase her talents to USWNT coach Emma Hayes.

In Denver, she pairs with seasoned NWSL center-back Kaleigh Kurtz, providing an excellent mentorship opportunity for Gaetino as she enters the league.

For Denver, Gaetino could become a foundational element of their defensive setup as she arrives on a three-year deal. Having U.S. national team experience is a crucial asset for Denver’s roster strategy, enriched by her experience abroad. Along with another significant signing, Ayo Oke, acquired for $450,000 from Pachuca, Denver is setting a solid precedent as an expansion team.

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$875,000 transfer from Portland Thorns

Grade for Coffey: A
Grade for Thorns: B-

Sam Coffey’s move from the Portland Thorns to Manchester City had been anticipated for a year, fueled by her ambition to broaden her game and experience life in England. As an established USWNT midfielder, Coffey will challenge herself in a new environment.

This transition presents a dilemma for the Thorns; preventing the transfer wasn’t viable, and losing their captain—central to the team’s spirit—poses a significant challenge. Ultimately, they had to negotiate for the best possible fee for her departure, achieving a satisfactory outcome.

As seven-figure transfers become increasingly common, it’s natural to question the value associated with this fee, considering Coffey’s role as a defensive midfielder typically garners less visibility compared to high-scoring forwards. Yet, this transfer remains notable as a top-10 global transaction.

The Thorns faced enough time to strategize for Coffey’s exit and should have addressed coaching hires more timely; the ramifications of her absence will undoubtedly be felt in the meantime.