Revealed: How much Orlando Pride are paying for Zambian star Barbra Banda with NWSL set to witness another historic transfer

Records will tumble when Banda completes her move to NWS. Her transfer fee of $740,000 (£582498.40) marks a watershed moment in women's football, standing as the second-highest in history, only behind her compatriot Racheal Kundananji's recent move to NWSL expansion side Bay FC from Madrid CFF for $788,000 (£620,282) at the time, plus another $75,000 in possible add-ons. According to ESPN, Banda will sign a four-year contract which is valued at approximately $2.1 million, inclusive of performance-based incentives and bonuses.

Shengli are also understood to have inserted a sell-on clause, ensuring they receive a percentage of any future transfer fee should Banda be moved on from the Orlando Pride.

Banda's rise to prominence began on the global stage during the Tokyo Olympics in 2021, where she showcased her extraordinary scoring prowess by netting successive hat-tricks in group-stage matches. Despite Zambia's mixed fortunes in the tournament, Banda's stellar performances captured the attention of football enthusiasts worldwide, establishing her as a prodigious talent.

However, Banda's journey has not been without obstacles. Following her Olympic exploits, she found herself embroiled in controversy after being banned, alongside three other players, from the Africa Cup of Nations due to alleged elevated testosterone levels. Despite the setback, FIFA's subsequent decision to permit Banda's participation in the 2023 World Cup underscored the need for a reevaluation of existing regulations, but it sparked widespread debate and scrutiny.

At the Women's World Cup, Banda etched her name in history by netting the 1,000th goal in the tournament's illustrious history, further solidifying her reputation as a trailblazer in women's football. Banda's arrival heralds a new era for the Orlando Pride and the NWSL, as she joins a burgeoning contingent of African talent making waves in the league. With the likes of Kundananji and Nigeria's Asisat Oshoala also making high-profile moves, the NWSL continues to emerge as a global destination for top-tier footballing talent.