Jaedyn Shaw Joins North Carolina Courage

Jaedyn Shaw, a prominent U.S. women's national team player and 2024 Olympic gold medalist, has been traded from San Diego Wave FC to North Carolina Courage. The trade, requested by Shaw in 2024, involves $300,000 in allocation money, $150,000 in intra-league transfer funds, and international slots for 2025 and 2026, with potential additional funds based on conditions. Despite her impact and popularity at San Diego, where she scored 14 goals in 61 appearances, Shaw sought a new chapter, reportedly preferring a No. 10 role, which may have influenced her decision to leave amid team changes. North Carolina aims to bolster its attacking lineup after a lackluster 2024 season and views Shaw as a key acquisition. The trade reflects an evolving NWSL landscape, shaped by a new Collective Bargaining Agreement requiring player consent for trades, enhancing player agency. Shaw's move is among the league's largest intra-league transfers, showcasing her rising star status.