Top 5 Most Expensive Transfers in NWSL History Following Barbra Banda’s Near-Record Move to Orlando Pride

In the last few years, women’s soccer has experienced remarkable growth in the USA. A live example of this fact is the National Women’s Soccer League. From securing million-dollar television rights to having the first women’s team to possess its own stadium, the league consistently reaches new heights and extends its global impact. Among its recent milestones is the high-profile move of Barbra Banda to the Orlando Pride. This takes us into the area of big-money deals, as we look at the Top 5 most costly NWSL transfers in its history.

5) Crystal Dunn

USWNT star Crystal Dunn stands in 5th place among the NWSL’s most expensive transfers. She was signed by Portland Thorns from OL Reign 2020 for €211,000 or $230,000. However, she recently left Thorns and signed for rivals NJ/NY Gotham FC until 2026.

4) Alex Morgan 

Alex Morgan was acquired by the San Diego Wave in 2021. The California-based club paid €240,000 or $260,000, to Orlando Pride. Since then, the USWNT attacker has helped her side win the NWSL Shield in the 2023 season.

3) Jessie Fleming

Portland Thorns, letting Dunn go, helped them sign Jessie Fleming from WSL’s Chelsea. The Canadian midfielder was signed for €293,000 or $320,000, in February 2024. She’ll be certain to create history with the Portland Thorns and justify her price tag.  

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2) Barbra Banda

Barbra Banda is expected to sign for Orlando Pride. The Zambian forward will be coming from the Chinese Super League side Shanghai Shengli for the second-highest transfer fee of €680,000 or $740,000. As per ESPN, her 4-year deal is valued at around $2.1 million. Yet she couldn’t overtake the number one spot!

1) Racheal Kundananji

Bay FC had previously completed the signing of Zambia’s Racheal Kundananji from Madrid CFF, reportedly making history in women’s soccer with a deal worth €735,000 or nearly $800,000. The 23-year-old striker inked a contract with the NWSL team until 2027, with the possibility of extending it until 2028.

It’s important to note that these are the most expensive transfers in the NWSL, except for Kundananji, who currently also leads the world rankings. Behind her is Mayra Ramirez, who signed for Chelsea from Levante recently for a reported fee of €500,000 or $543,000.

Kiera Walsh takes 3rd place with her €470,000 or $510,000, move from Manchester City to Barcelona in 2022, followed by Jill Roord’s €350,000 or $380,000, move from Wolfsburg to Manchester City in 2023. 

Meanwhile, Lindsey Horan takes 5th place with her €300,000 or $325,000, transfer from the Portland Thorns to Lyon in 2023. This is also considered the most expensive departure in the history of the NWSL. 

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