The Washington Spirit reshaped their roster by trading Croix Bethune to the Kansas City Current for $1 million, one of the largest fees in NWSL history. Bethune, the 2024 Rookie of the Year and a 2025 NWSL Second XI selection, had quickly become central to Washington’s attack alongside Trinity Rodman. She recently earned seven U.S. national team caps and scored against Chile. The move followed Bethune’s request for a new environment to support her development, a decision Spirit president Haley Carter said balanced player wishes with club value. Rodman expressed sadness publicly as their on-field partnership ended. On the same day, Kansas City sent young standout Claire Hutton to Bay FC for $1.1 million. Hutton, already a Best XI First Team honoree with 13 national team appearances, even captained the U.S. in January. Bay FC coach Emma Coates praised her leadership and mentality, signaling another major shift across NWSL contenders.