Girma-nomics: The $1M+ transfer, NWSL fee thresholds, and San Diego’s bottom line

Photo Credit: Abe Arredondo-USA TODAY Sports.

Chelsea FC and San Diego Wave FC have agreed to the terms of a transfer that will make United States women’s national team centerback Naomi Girma the first $1 million transfer in women’s soccer history.

It’s a huge feat for the widely lauded defender that USWNT head coach (and former longtime Chelsea coach) Emma Hayes called “the best defender I’ve ever seen.”

Chelsea’s willingness to pay the fee speaks volumes about Girma’s ability – and about the rapidly evolving women’s transfer market, which has grown exponentially over the past two years.

What does it mean for the complicated world of National Women’s Soccer League finances, salary caps, transfer fee threshold, allocation money, and the Wave’s business? Let’s dive in.