The Biggest NWSL Trades and Signings in Over the Break
There was a lot of movement in and within the NWSL post-Olympics. Some teams signed superstar players from international teams, while some fought for marquee trades. Here are some top trades, transfers, and signings in the NWSL during the August transfer window.
Jess Carter – Gotham FC
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Six-year Chelsea defender Jess Carter announced her move stateside to join Gotham FC until 2026. “I cannot wait to join Gotham FC,” said Carter in the announcement. “The club is playing at an incredible level right now in one of the toughest leagues in the world. I cannot wait to be a part of it all.” Calling her one of the best players in the world, Gotham coach Juan Carlos Amorós expressed excitement for the move and that Gotham’s fans “will enjoy her way of playing.”
Alana Cook – Kansas City Current
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Seattle Reign player and two-time NWSL Defender of the Year finalist Alana Cook has been traded to Kansas City Current. “Alana is a smart and experienced center-back who has proved that she can play at the highest levels,” said head coach Vlatko Andonovski in the announcement. Cook also has a strong international career, playing for under-17, under-20, under-23, and for the U.S. Women’s National Team in 2023 Australia and New Zealand.
Katie Zelem – Angel City
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Angel City FC received a big name in Katie Zelem, midfielder from Manchester United. Zelem joins Angel City after a six-year run with United, where she was named captain and and made her mark as the third-highest goal scorer.
Mackenzie Arnold
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Matildas Goalkeeper announced in June that she was parting ways with West Ham United, where she has played since 2020. The decision is made all the more difficult because her partner and teammate, Kirsty Smith, is staying, writing, “What am I going to do without you. Proud of you and can’t wait to watch you shine” on Instagram. Arnold played for Australia in the 2024 Paris Olympics and was the starting goalkeeper in the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup, where she made four incredible saves in a penalty shootout. She joins the Portland Thorns as “a highly decorated international goalkeeper, with experience on the world’s biggest stages,” wrote Portland Thorns General Manager Karina LeBlanc.
Delphine Cascarino
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French forward Delphine Cascarino will join San Diego Wave FC through the 2026 season with a mutual option for 2027. According to SD Wave FC General Manager Camille Ashton, Cascarino is a “world-class player.” She came from Olympique Lyonnais and the French National Team, where she was one of the best attackers. She has won six UEFA Champions League titles and was nominated for a FIFA Best Women’s Player award. Cascarino will join Wave FC after the 2024 Paris Olympics.
Bethany Balcer – Racing Louisville
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Seattle Reign forward Bethany Balcer was traded to Racing Louisville in exchange for team captain Jaelin Howell. Balcer is the only player in the NWSL to score five or more goals each season since 2019, and she won Rookie of the Year in her first pro season. She’s one of the most reliable attackers in the league and managed to tally an assist in her first appearance for her new team.
Abby Dahlkemper – Bay FC
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Dahlkemper signed with Bay FC, her hometown club, in August after spending the past three seasons with San Diego. In her last appearance with the Wave, she scored a last-minute header against Angel City, and the following week, she managed to get on the board for Bay FC with another header.
Featured image via @nwsl
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