Kansas City Current Acquires Croix Bethune In Historical NWSL Trade

The Washington Spirit completed the third-largest return in NWSL history as they traded midfielder Croix Bethune to Kansas City FC.

Published on Feb. 11, 2026

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The Washington Spirit traded midfielder Croix Bethune to the Kansas City Current in exchange for a club-record $100k in allocation funds and $900k in transfer threshold funds. Bethune, a decorated player with both club and international experience, signed a contract with Kansas City that runs through the 2027 NWSL season.

Why it matters

This trade represents one of the largest returns in NWSL history, highlighting the growing value and competitiveness of the league. It also marks a significant acquisition for the Kansas City Current as they look to build on their success from last season and compete for a championship.

The details

The Washington Spirit traded Croix Bethune, a talented midfielder who was the 2024 NWSL Midfielder of the Year and Rookie of the Year, to the Kansas City Current. In exchange, the Spirit received a club-record $100k in allocation funds and $900k in transfer threshold funds.

  • Bethune's contract with Kansas City runs through the 2027 NWSL season.
  • Bethune earned her first call up to the U.S. Women's National Team in May/June 2024 and was selected as an alternate player for the 2024 Olympics in Paris.

The players

Croix Bethune

A decorated player with both club and international experience, Bethune was the 2024 NWSL Midfielder of the Year and Rookie of the Year.

Ryan Dell

The general manager of the Kansas City Current.

Haley Carter

The President of Soccer Operations for the Washington Spirit.

Chris Armas

The newly appointed head coach of the Kansas City Current.

Temwa Chawinga

A goal scoring machine for the Kansas City Current.

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What they’re saying

“Croix is an exceptional playmaker with limitless potential. 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 Croix to Kansas City and are excited about the future of our team.”

— Ryan Dell, General Manager, Kansas City Current (Forbes)

“We are grateful to Croix for her contributions over the past two seasons. 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.”

— Haley Carter, President of Soccer Operations, Washington Spirit (Forbes)

“I am incredibly grateful and excited to officially join the Kansas City Current family. It is an honor to represent a club that exemplifies relentless energy, togetherness and a world-class commitment to elevating women's sports. It's Teal Time, KC BABY!”

— Croix Bethune (Forbes)

What’s next

The Kansas City Current are set to face San Diego Wave FC on Sunday, February 15 at the Coachella Valley Invitational.

The takeaway

This trade showcases the growing value and competitiveness of the NWSL, as the Kansas City Current acquire a talented young midfielder in Croix Bethune in exchange for a record-setting package of allocation and transfer funds. The move highlights the Current's ambition to build a championship-caliber roster and the Spirit's ability to maximize the value of their assets.