Earlier today, Gotham FC announced the signing of midfielder Jaedyn Shaw from North Carolina Courage for $1.25 million, setting a new National Women's Soccer League transfer record.
Hudson River Blue first reported the signing on Tuesday, September 9.
The fee shatters the previous record of $600,000 that Kansas City Current paid to Utah Royals for forward Ally Sentnor just last month. More than that, the $1.25 million Gotham pays for Shaw will be the fifth-highest transfer fee in the history of women's soccer, and the sixth million-plus fee in this record-setting year. In 2024, Bay FC paid a then-record $787,600 to sign Racheal Kundananji from Madrid CFF. Since then, London City Lionesses signed Grace Geyoro for $1.9 million, Orlando Pride signed Lizbeth Ovalle from Tigres UANL for $1.5 million, Chelsea FC signed Alyssa Thompson from Angel City FC for $1.3 million, and Arsenal Women signed Olivia Smith from Liverpool for $1.3 million.
Shaw is one of the rising stars on the United States women's national team. The 20-year-old attacking midfielder has 26 caps and eight goals with the USWNT, and was a member of the squad that won Gold at the 2024 Olympics in Paris.
The signing signals Gotham's intent both to contend for this year's NWSL title and build a squad for future seasons. Gotham's attack is led by veteran striker Esther González, and forward Geyse, who joined on loan from Manchester United in March. At the same time, the Bats signed 23-year-old Danish international Josefine Hasbo in June, and 22-year-old US international Sarah Schupansky before the start of the season. Lilly Reale, who joined Gotham from UCLA in January, earned her first two caps for the USWNT this year.
Gotham currently sit in 6th Place in the NWSL table, with 27 points after 19 games. Gotham next face 3rd-place San Diego Wave tomorrow, September 12, at 10 pm ET at Snapdragon Stadium in San Diego, CA. The 26-game NWSL regular season will wrap up on November 2.
In addition, Gotham are undefeated in the 2025-26 Concacaf W Champions Cup, with two wins after two games. Gotham next host Washington Spirit in a "home" game at Subaru Park in Chester, PA, on October 1 at 7:00 pm ET.
You'll find the complete press release from Gotham FC below.
JERSEY CITY, N.J. (Sept. 11, 2025) - Gotham FC landed 20-year-old star Jaedyn Shaw in an NWSL intraleague-record $1.25 million transfer from the North Carolina Courage, the club announced Thursday in partnership with Dove.
The fee will be paid in intraleague transfer funds over installments and represents Gotham’s first seven-figure transfer. The agreement smashed the NWSL’s previous top mark for a player transfer between league clubs.
Gotham and Shaw are now working toward an updated and extended contract. She will wear the No. 2 jersey. The signing gives Gotham four players who won Olympic gold medals with the U.S. Women’s National Team last summer in France – and one of the most decorated young players in the world.
“I’m so excited to be a part of this incredible club and community,” said Shaw. “I’m looking forward to playing alongside world class players and giving my all to help the team win another championship.”
“Jaedyn is one of the world’s top talents who already has great NWSL and international experience,” said Yael Averbuch West, the general manager and head of soccer operations for Gotham FC. “We look forward to having her in our team environment and can’t wait to see her impact on our club both now and into the future.”
Shaw comes to Gotham FC with an impressive list of accomplishments for a player who signed her first professional contract at 17 in lieu of college and has only been a pro for three years.
In addition to her Olympic gold medal, the Texas native was named the 2022 U.S. Soccer Young Female Player of the Year and led the San Diego Wave to the 2023 NWSL Shield, claiming NWSL Best XI honors that season. She won the Golden Ball – given to the player of the tournament – at the 2024 Concacaf W Gold Cup after leading the USWNT to a title in the inaugural event.
In 2018, Shaw led the U.S. Youth National Team to the Concacaf Girls’ Under-15 Championship, claiming the Golden Ball. She played in the 2022 FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup, starting all three group stage matches.
After making her senior national team debut in 2023, she has amassed eight goals and two assists over 26 appearances.
Since joining the NWSL, Shaw has 16 goals and five assists in 68 appearances with the Courage and Wave. She scored in her first game with the Wave, becoming the youngest player in league history at the time to net a goal in their debut.
She now links up with Gotham FC ahead of its critical road match against her former club in San Diego, with kickoff set for 10 p.m. ET Friday at Snapdragon Stadium. The Wave sits in third place, just three points ahead of sixth-place Gotham.
