The Washington Spirit officially announced the trade of Croix Bethune to the Kansas City Current in exchange for $1 million, the third-largest intra-league transfer in league history.
“We are grateful to (Bethune) for her contributions over the past two seasons,” said President of Soccer Operations Haley Carter in a statement. “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…
“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.”
The news was first reported by CBS Sports’s Sandra Herrera that Bethune would be leaving the Spirit after just two seasons with the club. CBS Sports also reported that Bethune herself requested the move.
ESPN’s Jeff Kassouf reported shortly after more details including that the total deal would be worth $1 million, $900,000 of it would be intra-league transfer funds, and the rest would be $100,000 in allocation money.
That would make it the third-largest intra-league transfer falling behind Jaedyn Shaw’s move to Gotham FC last season from North Carolina Courage for $1.25 million, and KC Current sending fellow young USWNT player Claire Hutton to Bay FC for a reported $1.1 million
Bethune began her professional career with the Spirit after being drafted third in the now extinct NWSL collegiate draft. 2024 was a spectacular debut for Bethune as she won the NWSL rookie of the year award, and NWSL Midfielder of the year award despite injuring her knee before the season ended.
The 24-year-old midfielder played very well in her second season as well in an vital role as the Spirit’s primary attacking midfielder earning NWSL second XI honors and helped the team reach the NWSL Championship for a second season in a row.
“Thank you to the Washington Spirit for drafting me two years ago and giving me the opportunity to represent DC,” said Bethune in a statement. “To the Spirit fanbase – you all are incredible and made my time playing at Audi Field even more special. I wish the club nothing but the best moving forward.”
The KC Current also released a statement regarding the move.
“(Bethune) is an exceptional playmaker with limitless potential,” said KC Current general manager Ryan Dell in a statement. “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 (Bethune) to Kansas City and are excited about the future of our team.”
