Croix Bethune trade reshapes Spirit and Current as record fees trigger major NWSL roster changes

TOI GLOBAL DESK | TOI GLOBAL | Feb 13, 2026, 00:56 IST

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Image credit : AP

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.

<p>FILE - Washington Spirit midfielder Croix Bethune (7) dribbles the ball during the first half of a NWSL women's championship soccer match, Saturday, Nov. 22, 2025, in San Jose, Calif. (AP Photo/Justine Willard,File)</p>

Washington Spirit saw a big change to their squad after Croix Bethune was traded to the Kansas City Current on February 11. The move brought in $1 million for the Spirit and ended the strong on-field partnership between Bethune and Trinity Rodman.

Bethune had become one of the key players for Washington in just two seasons. She won Rookie of the Year in 2024 and was named to the NWSL Second XI in 2025. She also started making her mark with the U.S. women’s national team, earning seven caps and scoring her first goal last month against Chile.

The trade came after Bethune asked for a new environment to continue her growth. Spirit president Haley Carter explained the decision while confirming that the club received one of the highest transfer values in league history. “After conversations about her desire to explore development opportunities in a different environment, we structured a deal that respected her request and brought strong value to our club,” Carter said.

Rodman reacted emotionally to the news on social media, sharing pictures of the two together. “I’m sad,” Rodman wrote.

Kansas City also made another major move the same day by sending midfielder Claire Hutton to Bay FC for $1.1 million. Hutton, just 20 years old, already has an impressive record. She was named to the NWSL Best XI First Team last season and has 13 appearances for the national team. In January, she even wore the captain’s armband during a match against Paraguay, becoming the youngest player in recent times to do so.

Bay FC head coach Emma Coates praised the signing and said Hutton’s quality and mentality make her a valuable addition to the team.

Croix Bethune trade reshapes Spirit and Current as record fees trigger major NWSL roster changes

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