NWSL: Kansas City Current Acquire Croix Bethune in Record Deal

Kansas City Current has significantly bolstered its midfield with the acquisition of Croix Bethune from the Washington Spirit, a move announced on Wednesday, February 11, 2026. The deal, which sends $900,000 in intra-league transfer funds and an additional $100,000 in allocation funds to Washington, marks the third-largest intra-league transfer in NWSL history.

Bethune, the reigning NWSL Midfielder of the Year and Rookie of the Year, joins a Kansas City side eager to build on its recent success. The 24-year-old midfielder’s arrival comes after a standout two-year stint with the Spirit, where she quickly established herself as a key player despite a mid-season injury in her rookie year. She tied the single-season assist record in just 17 games before a torn meniscus sidelined her.

The midfielder’s impressive performances earned her a spot on the United States Women’s National Team, culminating in a gold medal at the July 31, 2024 Olympic Games in Paris. She has since earned seven caps with the USWNT.

“We are excited to welcome Croix to Kansas City,” said KC Current co-owners Angie and Chris Long in a statement. “The Kansas City Current is the preeminent example of a club attracting, investing in and developing elite young talent like Croix. Croix is a remarkable player who brings such an infectious joy to the sport, thrives in big moments and creates opportunities for herself and for her teammates. She shares the same championship-winning mindset that is paramount at the Current, making her a perfect fit for our club.”

Bethune’s transfer was reportedly requested by the player, with the Spirit working to facilitate a move that benefited both parties. She received interest from other teams, but ultimately chose to join the reigning NWSL Shield winners.

The acquisition fills a void in Kansas City’s midfield following the departure of Bia Zaneratto, who returned to Palmeiras after her contract expired. Bethune’s vision and playmaking ability are expected to be crucial as the Current look to defend their title.

Bethune’s path to professional success has been marked by resilience. She overcame two ACL tears during her college career at USC and Georgia, earning first-team All-American honors at both institutions. Her ability to bounce back from adversity has become a defining characteristic of her career.

The Washington Spirit acknowledged Bethune’s departure on Wednesday, expressing gratitude for her contributions over the past two seasons. “We are grateful to Croix for her contributions over the past two seasons,” said club president of soccer operations Haley Carter. “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, making it the third-highest intra-league transfer in NWSL history and a top ten mark globally.”

Carter added, “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. That said, our focus is on the talented core we have returning. We’re heading into 2026 healthy, deep, and ready to win.”

In a separate transaction announced on the same day, Kansas City Current also traded midfielder Claire Hutton to Bay FC. The Current received $1.1 million in intraleague transfer funds for Hutton, a 2025 NWSL Best XI honoree and member of the USWNT.

“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,” said Bay FC head coach Emma Coates. “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. The most exciting part for us is her desire to keep getting better, and we’re excited to support her through the next stages of her career and even more excited to see the impact she will have at Bay FC.”

Hutton, a 2024 NWSL Rookie of the Year finalist, signed her first professional contract with Kansas City at 17 years old and quickly became a regular starter. She has made 13 appearances for the USWNT since her debut in 2025, and recently, head coach Emma Hayes discussed a potential leadership role for the young midfielder.

These two significant trades demonstrate the increasing financial investment and player movement within the NWSL, signaling a league on the rise as it continues to attract top talent and generate excitement among fans.