It is summer of 2025 and we are bound to see extensions, trades, rumors, moves, and more in the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) as well as the other professional women’s soccer teams. Let’s jump into everything that is and could be! 

The first big trade seen in the NWSL would probably be Maria Sanchez leaving the San Diego Wave FC to head back home to Tigres Femenil. A huge loss for the league because the left foot on Sanchez is ourstanding. We have watched the Houston Dash let her slip through their fingers with endless general manager issues and last minute trades, so when Sanchez came to San Diego is seemed like a hopeful fit. However, it seems like the drama at the Wave also was trouble and Sanchez was destined to return to Mexico and the Tigres. My biggest relief is not having to see her ball on the pitch for another team against San Diego, and wish her much success in the Liga MX Femenil. The Tigres finished last season in fifth place and could use Sanchez to close the gap even further. 

Haley McCutcheon of the Orlando Pride has signed an extension through 2028 for the Florida club. McCutcheon was traded to the Pride in 2022 From the Houston Dash and has played all 2025 matches so far. In a press release, the Orlando Pride had nothing but praise for the player. 

“Haley's leadership on the pitch, her versatility in multiple positions, and her unwavering commitment to our community make her an invaluable part of our foundation,” VP of Soccer Operations and Sporting Director Haley Carter said. “Her clutch performances in our 2024 playoff run, including crucial goals against Chicago and Kansas City, demonstrated why she's such a vital piece of our championship culture. This extension reflects our commitment to retaining the core players who helped bring the NWSL Shield and Championship to Orlando, and we're excited to continue building on that success with Haley leading the way.”

The Seattle Reign are also making extension moves this season. Sally Menti, a midfielder, was extended for two years at the Reign after previously being on a short term contract. Menti recently scored her first professional goal against the San Diego Wave to help the Reign clutch a 2-1 win. Menti seems to be enjoying her time in Seattle and looks forward to a long future with the Reign. Menti also recently has been called up for the USWNT U-23 team, after having played in several of the other youth programs for US Soccer. Menti spoke highly of the Reign and playing in Seattle.

“Continuing my career in my hometown with a world-class club I’ve admired for so long is incredibly special to me,” said Menti. “I’m grateful for the belief the Reign has shown in me, and I’m excited to keep growing and contributing to this team.”

New arrivals to the NWSL include the first Italian national to join the league. Sofia Cantore has been signed to the NWSL through the Washington Spirit and represents the first Italian international to join the league after previously playing for Juventus FC. With lots of change for the Spirit in terms of coaching staff, Gonzalez shared why her experience will support the team.

“Sofia is an important signing for this Spirit team as we continue to build up our roster to compete for trophies,” said incoming Head Coach Adrián González. “Her extensive experience in the Italian leagues and exceptional talent in the attacking third will help add a new layer for the Spirit moving forward.”

Not all things in Chicago are falling apart as goalkeeper Mackenzie Wood signed her extension with the club through 2027. Wood joined the Chicago Stars as a non-roster invitee and then earned a national team replacement contract. She returned after a stint abroad with Stade de Reims Féminines of the French Première Ligue.

Chicago Stars also signed defender Samantha Cary Angel to their roster. The 24 year old defender signed through 2027, with an option to extend. The Stars didn’t stop with Angel, but also signed Kathrin Hendrich to a two/year contract with the option for an extension. Hendrich will join the Stars after the international break, due to her participation in the Euros competition this summer. Could this be the hint of a rebuild that the Stars desperately need? 

Some rumors that have been floating around are that Mia Fishel, who just wrapped up her season in the WSL with Chelsea, is allegedly in talks with many clubs in talks with Fishel for the life from the WSL. Fishel was injured but has recovered and seems to be looking for her next right fit. Excited to see what the 24 year old has in store for us all!

In terms of rumors, we are seeing a lot of free agency this break. Who should you be watching? 

• Midge Purce, Gotham FC 
• Ali Riley, Angel City FC
• Ally Schlegel, Chicago Stars
• Anna Moorhouse, Orlando Pride 
• Bruninha, Gotham FC
• Ella Stevens, Gotham FC
• Hailie Mace, Kansas City Current
• Kennedy Wesley, San Diego Wave FC
• Mina Tanaka, Utah Royals
• Trinity Rodman, Washington Spirit 

This is not an exhaustive list of players to watch but certainly some of the names I’ll be tracking in this window. 

Have you heard any rumors? Anything interesting going on in the women’s soccer world that you’ve heard? Any wild guesses on what will come out in this transfer window?