USWNT star Jaedyn Shaw traded from San Diego Wave to North Carolina Courage in blockbuster NWSL deal

U.S. women's national team star Jaedyn Shaw has been traded to the North Carolina Courage in a blockbuster NWSL deal

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  WHAT HAPPENED?

  Jaedyn Shaw, 20, one of the most talented young stars in American soccer, is officially on the move in one of the NWSL's most significant trades.

  The North Carolina Courage have acquired U.S. Women’s National Team midfielder Jaedyn Shaw via trade with San Diego Wave FC, the clubs announced Tuesday. Shaw is under contract through the 2026 NWSL season.

  In exchange for the rising international star, the Wave will receive $300,000 in allocation money, an international spot for the 2025 and 2026 seasons, and $150,000 in intraleague transfer fees. The deal includes performance-based incentives, with the Courage potentially sending up to $75,000 in additional allocation money in exchange for up to $150,000 in intraleague transfer fees.

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  THE BIGGER PICTURE

  Shaw is one of the USWNT's brightest prospects, having already proven herself as a dynamic attacker on the international level despite her age. The 20-year-old forward has eight goals in 21 USWNT caps, having only made her debut in October 2023. She was a member of the USWNT's gold medal squad at the Olympics, but did not play due to injury.

  On the club level, Shaw turned professional as a 17-year-old in 2022, making her the NWSL's second-youngest player at the time. Able to play as a No. 10, winger or as a false-nine, Shaw scored 14 goals in 61 games with the Wave, while earning a Best XI selection in 2023.

  The trade will surely send shockwaves through the NWSL. The Courage have now acquired a legitimate star after finishing fifth last season before falling to the Kansas City Current in the opening round of the postseason.

• WHAT SHAW SAID

  “I am so grateful to be here and to call North Carolina home. I’m excited to experience a new style of play and to learn and grow alongside amazing players and coaches. I can’t wait to get to work and help bring another championship to Courage Country,” Shaw said in a statement.

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  WHAT THE COURAGE SAID

  “Bringing Jaedyn here is a great day for our club. She is someone who has every tool at such a young age and will be a key part of our club. Her quality on the ball, both in possession and on the dribble, along with her levels in and around the box can unlock opposition. She suits our style of play and our supporters will be able to see one of the top young talents every week. We can’t wait to welcome this truly gifted player and even better person to our team. It’s a great day for us and we look forward to having Jaedyn in Courage Country,” said Courage Head Coach Sean Nahas in a statement.

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  DID YOU KNOW?

  Despite their successes in 2024, the Courage scored the fewest goals of any of the NWSL's top six teams. That is despite the fact that the team led the league in several passing and possession statistics.

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  WHAT NEXT?

  Shaw is set to join the USWNT for January camp, with the young star one of 24 players called in by Emma Hayes. That camp will run from Jan. 17-23 at Inter Miami's Florida Blue Training Center in Ft. Lauderdale, FL, having been moved from Carson, Calif due to the wildfires in the Los Angeles area.