Croix Bethune’s trade from the Washington Spirit left her teammate Trinity Rodman ‘sad’ after their potent partnership was dismantled.
Bethune was traded to the Kansas City Current in a blockbuster move on Wednesday, Feb. 11, with the Spirit receiving $1 million in return for the playmaker.
The 24-year-old emerged as a star during two seasons with the Spirit, winning the NWSL Rookie of the Year award in 2024 before being named to the NWSL Second XI in 2025.
Bethune has also earned seven caps with the U.S. women’s national team after making her debut in 2024, scoring her first international goal last month against Chile.
In a club release, Spirit president of soccer operations Haley Carter said Bethune requested the move.
“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 said.
Bethune and Rodman developed a strong connection on and off the field during their time together with the Spirit, and Rodman posted a series of photos of the duo on Instagram after the trade was announced.
‘I’m sad,’ Rodman wrote.
The pair will at least have the opportunity to continue playing together with the USWNT.
Claire Hutton traded to Bay FC
The Current were busy on Wednesday, as they also traded midfielder Claire Hutton to Bay FC in a second major transaction.
Hutton, 20, moves to the Bay Area in exchange for $1.1 million.
The holding midfielder has put together an impressive resume despite her age, earning NWSL Best XI First Team honors last season.
Hutton also has 13 caps already with the USWNT. During a January match against Paraguay, Hutton wore the captain’s armband for the final portion of the game, becoming the youngest USWNT player to do so in the modern era.
‘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,” Bay FC head coach Emma Coates said.
“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.’