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

Explaining the economics of Naomi Girma’s historic move to Chelsea

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.

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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.”

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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.

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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.

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