USWNT Star Catarina Macario Signs Record-Breaking Contract with San Diego Wave

The Chelsea forward is heading back to the NWSL on a five-year deal reportedly worth $8 million fully guaranteed.

Mar. 16, 2026 at 5:08pm

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The San Diego Wave have signed U.S. women's national team star Catarina Macario to a record-breaking five-year contract worth a reported $8 million in guaranteed money. The deal is believed to be the largest in total value in women's professional soccer history, and includes a signing bonus and additional incentives. Macario will join the Wave immediately after Chelsea paid a $300,000 transfer fee to trigger her release from the English club.

Why it matters

Macario's move to the NWSL's San Diego Wave represents a major coup for the young franchise, as they land one of the top talents in women's soccer on a long-term deal. The record-breaking contract also signals the growing financial power and ambition of the NWSL, as the league continues to attract elite global players.

The details

According to reports, Macario's five-year contract with the San Diego Wave is worth a total of $8 million in fully guaranteed money, making it the largest deal ever signed in women's professional soccer. The contract includes a signing bonus as well as additional performance-based incentives. To facilitate the move, Chelsea agreed to a $300,000 transfer fee to release Macario from her contract with the English club.

  • Macario is expected to join the San Diego Wave immediately.
  • Chelsea won the League Cup on Sunday, March 12, 2026.

The players

Catarina Macario

A star forward for the U.S. women's national team who has been playing for Chelsea in the Women's Super League.

San Diego Wave

The NWSL expansion team that has signed Macario to a record-breaking five-year contract.

Chelsea

The English club that has agreed to a $300,000 transfer fee to release Macario from her contract.

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What’s next

Macario is expected to join the San Diego Wave immediately and make her debut for the club in the upcoming NWSL season.

The takeaway

Catarina Macario's record-breaking move to the San Diego Wave underscores the growing financial power and ambition of the NWSL, as the league continues to attract elite global players and offer lucrative long-term contracts.