Wave Reportedly Set to Acquire Catarina Macario in Record NWSL Deal

San Diego Wave FC poised to sign Torrey Pines High graduate to largest contract in league history

Mar. 18, 2026 at 1:04am

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The San Diego Wave are reportedly acquiring Torrey Pines High School graduate Catarina Macario on a transfer from Chelsea, giving the team another much-needed superstar following the retirement of franchise icon Alex Morgan. The Wave will pay Chelsea $300,000 for Macario's rights and have agreed to a five-year deal worth roughly $8 million, the largest contract in National Women's Soccer League history.

Why it matters

Macario's homecoming to San Diego represents a major coup for the Wave, who are looking to build on a promising inaugural season and cement themselves as one of the NWSL's elite clubs. The 26-year-old forward/midfielder has established herself as a rising star for the U.S. Women's National Team, and her addition will bolster a Wave attack that already features several Brazilian standouts.

The details

Macario, a native of Brazil, moved to San Diego at age 12 to pursue her soccer dreams. She set scoring records with the San Diego Surf club team and starred at Torrey Pines High School before embarking on a standout college career at Stanford. Macario left the Cardinal following her junior season to sign with Lyon in France, and Chelsea acquired her in 2023. In 29 appearances for the USWNT, Macario has scored 16 goals and logged 5 assists.

  • Macario is expected to join the Wave ahead of the 2026 NWSL season.
  • The Wave and Macario have agreed to a five-year deal worth roughly $8 million.

The players

Catarina Macario

A 26-year-old forward/midfielder who is a Torrey Pines High School graduate and has established herself as a rising star for the U.S. Women's National Team, scoring 16 goals in 29 appearances.

San Diego Wave FC

A National Women's Soccer League expansion team that is looking to build on a promising inaugural season and cement itself as one of the league's elite clubs.

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What they’re saying

“We're always talking about having a no-regrets mentality. In order to do that, you have to go for the game. You always have to go for the game.”

— Mikey Varas, San Diego FC Head Coach (San Diego Union-Tribune)

What’s next

The Wave have no immediate plans to announce any deal for Macario, but the transfer is expected to be finalized ahead of the 2026 NWSL season.

The takeaway

Macario's homecoming to San Diego represents a major statement of intent by the Wave, who are positioning themselves as one of the NWSL's premier destinations for top American talent. Her addition to an already talented roster will make the Wave an immediate contender for the league title.