Kansas City Current Acquires Croix Bethune In Historical NWSL Trade
The Washington Spirit completed the third-largest return in NWSL history as they traded midfielder Croix Bethune to Kansas City FC in exchange for a club-record $100k in allocation funds and $900k in transfer threshold funds. Bethune’s contract with Kansas City runs through the 2027 NWSL season.
WASHINGTON, DC – NOVEMBER 15: Croix Bethune #7 of Washington Spirit celebrates scoring a goal during a game between the Washington Spirit and the Portland Thorns at Audi Field on November 15, 2025 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Roger Wimmer/ISI Photos/ISI Photos via Getty Images)
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“Croix is an exceptional playmaker with limitless potential,” said KC Current general manager Ryan Dell. “Her elite creativity and passing ability combined with her tactical versatility – plus her resilience and passion – make her a great fit for our club, on and off the pitch. We are thrilled to welcome Croix to Kansas City and are excited about the future of our team.”
Bethune’s Early Career
As a young player, Bethune has a decorated career in both her club and international play. Bethune won the 2024 Midfielder of the Year and Rookie of the Year in her first season with the NWSL. In her rookie season, she recorded five goals and 10 assists with the Spirit.
Additionally, she also earned her first call up to the U.S. Women’s National Team in May/June 2024 and was selected as an alternate player for the 2024 Olympics in Paris.
“We are grateful to Croix for her contributions over the past two seasons,” said 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. 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.”
PARIS, FRANCE – AUGUST 10: Croix Bethune #20 of the United States takes a bite from her gold medal during the Gold Medal Ceremony after the Women’s Gold Medal match during the Olympic Games Paris 2024 at Parc des Princes on August 10, 2024 in Paris, France. (Photo by Brad Smith/ISI/Getty Images)
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The signing with Bethune was announced during the same timeframe as the Current also lost another key component in their midfield with Claire Hutton signing with Bay FC.
Current State of Kansas City
Although the club is without another key player such as Bia Zaneratto, who pursued free agency, the club is on the right track in building momentum for the upcoming season.
With players such as the goal scoring machine in Temwa Chawinga and veteran midfielder Lo’eau Labonta, the club will only be able to build from success following their record of being No. 1 at the table with 65 points from last season.
However, with the transition of Vlatko Andonovski stepping down from his role as head coach, newly appointed head coach Chris Armas will have a big role to fill to maintain the Current’s winning standard.
“I am incredibly grateful and excited to officially join the Kansas City Current family,” said Bethune. “It is an honor to represent a club that exemplifies relentless energy, togetherness and a world-class commitment to elevating women’s sports. It’s Teal Time, KC BABY!”
Next on the schedule, the Current are set to face San Diego Wave FC on Sunday, February 15 at the Coachella Valley Invitational.
