NWSL Blockbuster Trades Shake Up 2026 Season Rosters

Croix Bethune joins KC Current, Claire Hutton boosts Bay FC in high-profile offseason moves

Published on Feb. 11, 2026

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In a pair of major NWSL trades, midfielder Croix Bethune will move from the Washington Spirit to the Kansas City Current, while the Bay FC acquired midfielder Claire Hutton from the Current. These high-profile roster moves are expected to significantly impact the teams' performances in the 2026 season and could also influence the U.S. women's national team setup.

Why it matters

These blockbuster trades are shaking up the NWSL landscape ahead of the 2026 season. Bethune and Hutton are both emerging talents, and their relocations could shift the competitive balance within the league. Additionally, their national team aspirations add an extra layer of intrigue, as these moves may impact future U.S. women's national team roster decisions.

The details

In the first trade, the Kansas City Current acquired midfielder Croix Bethune from the Washington Spirit for a reported $1 million. Bethune, who is recovering from a meniscus injury, is expected to bolster the Current's offense. In the second trade, the Bay FC secured midfielder Claire Hutton from the Current for $1.1 million, a move that aims to strengthen the expansion franchise's midfield and overall competitiveness.

  • The trades were completed on Wednesday, February 12, 2026.
  • Bethune and Hutton are set to join their new teams ahead of the 2026 NWSL season, which kicks off in April.

The players

Croix Bethune

A midfielder who is transitioning from the Washington Spirit to the Kansas City Current in a $1 million deal. Bethune is recovering from a meniscus injury and is expected to provide an offensive boost to the Current.

Claire Hutton

A 20-year-old midfielder who was acquired by the Bay FC from the Kansas City Current for $1.1 million. Hutton is considered one of the nation's most promising talents and is expected to elevate the expansion franchise's competitiveness.

Haley Carter

The president of soccer operations for the Washington Spirit, who explained that Bethune's trade was driven by her desire to explore development opportunities in a different environment.

Emma Coates

The head coach of the Bay FC, who is preparing for her debut season with the expansion franchise.

Temwa Chawinga

A striker for the Kansas City Current who is recovering from a hip adductor injury and is expected to reunite with the team.

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What they’re saying

“her desire to explore development opportunities in a different environment.”

— Haley Carter, President of soccer operations, Washington Spirit (theconwaybulletin.com)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

These high-profile NWSL trades introduce several unknowns for the teams involved, particularly regarding how Kansas City will compensate for losing Hutton and how Washington Spirit will invest their new financial resources. With the 2026 season also influencing U.S. women's national team considerations, the timing and effectiveness of these moves carry added weight as fans and analysts alike eagerly await to see how these shifts translate on the field and affect the league's competitive landscape.