Washington Spirit Trade Croix Bethune to Kansas City Current in $1M Deal
- Jonathan Turner
- Feb 11
- 2 min read
NATIONAL SOCCER NEWS: www.nationalsoccernetwork.com
$1M return ranks as third-largest intra-league transfer in NWSL history
WASHINGTON, D.C. (Feb. 11, 2026) – The Washington Spirit have traded midfielder Croix Bethune to the Kansas City Current in exchange for a club-record $100,000 in allocation funds and $900,000 in transfer threshold funds, totaling $1 million. The deal ranks as the third-largest intra-league transfer in NWSL history and among the top ten global transfer fees in the women’s game.
The Spirit announced the move Wednesday, noting the funds will be used to attract and retain top talent as the club builds toward the 2026 season.
“We are grateful to Croix for her contributions over the past two seasons,” said Spirit President of Soccer Operations Haley Carter. “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. 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.”
Bethune was selected third overall by Washington in the 2024 NWSL Draft and quickly emerged as one of the league’s top young midfielders. In her rookie campaign, she recorded five goals and 10 assists, earning both NWSL Rookie of the Year and Midfielder of the Year honors despite missing time due to injury.
She returned in 2025 and continued her strong play, earning NWSL Second XI recognition.
“Thank you to the Washington Spirit for drafting me two years ago and giving me the opportunity to represent D.C.,” Bethune said. “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 Spirit open their 2026 campaign in March, beginning with Spirit Fest on March 8 at The Anthem in Washington, D.C. The club’s regular-season home opener is set for March 13 against the Portland Thorns FC at Audi Field as Washington looks to reach a third consecutive NWSL Championship appearance.
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