Bay FC acquires star midfielder Claire Hutton in $1.1 million transfer

The 20-year-old U.S. national team player joins the NWSL club from the Kansas City Current.

Published on Feb. 11, 2026

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National Women's Soccer League club Bay FC has acquired U.S. national team midfielder Claire Hutton from the Kansas City Current for $1.1 million in intra-league transfer funds. The 20-year-old defensive midfielder signed with the Current out of high school in 2023 and was named to the NWSL Best XI First Team last season. Hutton has also appeared in 13 matches for the senior national team and has scored one goal.

Why it matters

The $1.1 million transfer fee is among the highest paid in NWSL history, underscoring Hutton's status as one of the league's top young talents. Her acquisition is a major coup for Bay FC as they look to rebuild after a disappointing 2025 season and challenge for championships under new head coach Emma Coates.

The details

Hutton signed with the Kansas City Current out of high school in late 2023 and played in 25 regular-season games last season, starting 22. She was named to the NWSL Best XI First Team. Hutton has also appeared in 13 matches for the senior U.S. national team and has scored one goal. She recently captained the U.S. during a match against Paraguay.

  • Hutton signed with the Kansas City Current out of high school in late 2023.
  • Hutton played in 25 regular-season games for the Current in 2025, starting 22.
  • Hutton was named to the NWSL Best XI First Team in 2025.
  • Hutton has appeared in 13 matches for the U.S. national team and scored one goal.
  • Hutton recently captained the U.S. during a match against Paraguay.

The players

Claire Hutton

A 20-year-old U.S. national team midfielder who was acquired by Bay FC from the Kansas City Current in a $1.1 million transfer, one of the highest fees ever paid in the NWSL.

Emma Coates

The new head coach of Bay FC, hired in December after previously serving as the coach of England's under-23 national team.

Albertin Montoya

The former head coach of Bay FC who stepped down at the end of the 2025 season.

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What they’re saying

“Claire is an important signing for us. She's a top-quality player who is tight on the ball, and she has the mobility and physical presence to break up play. Despite her age she brings experience and a strong mentality, and we believe she has the potential to become one of the best midfielders in the world.”

— Emma Coates, Bay FC Head Coach

“It's clear from coach Coates how detailed her vision is and how much she values challenging players to keep improving. The standards she wants to set and the environment the club is building really resonated with me, and I'm excited to join a group that pushes each other every day as we compete at the highest level while winning championships.”

— Claire Hutton

What’s next

Bay FC will look to integrate Hutton into their lineup as they prepare for the 2026 NWSL season, with the goal of challenging for a playoff spot and championship under new head coach Emma Coates.

The takeaway

Hutton's record-breaking transfer to Bay FC underscores the growing value and competitiveness of the NWSL, as top young talents like Hutton command multi-million dollar fees. Her acquisition is a major coup for Bay FC as they look to rebuild and compete for titles in the coming seasons.