U.S. Women’s National Team star Catarina Macario has signed a landmark contract with the San Diego Wave, marking the largest deal in the history of professional women’s soccer. The five-season agreement, running through 2030, is reported to guarantee nearly $8 million in salary, with additional signing bonuses and incentives potentially raising the total value.
Macario, 26, joins the Wave from Chelsea in the Women’s Super League, following a $300,000 transfer fee paid by San Diego to secure her early arrival. The deal falls under the NWSL’s High-Impact Player Rule, which allows clubs to exceed the league’s salary cap for marquee signings.
Previously, Trinity Rodman held the NWSL record with her contract at Washington Spirit, paying over $2 million annually with bonuses. Macario’s signing represents a significant step forward for player compensation and league growth.
Born in Brazil and raised in Southern California, Macario starred at Stanford University, scoring 63 goals in 69 appearances and winning two NCAA Division I championships. She turned professional in France with OL Lyonnes before moving to Chelsea, where injuries have limited her playing time, although she still tallied 44 goals in 105 appearances across six seasons.
Internationally, Macario debuted for the USWNT in 2021, becoming the first naturalized citizen to represent the team. She has won multiple SheBelieves Cups and an Olympic bronze medal but missed the 2023 Women’s World Cup and 2024 Paris Olympics due to injury.
San Diego Wave owner Lauren Leichtman has already invested heavily in star talent, acquiring Brazilian forward Ludmila for $800,000 earlier this year. Macario’s arrival is expected to boost attendance, marketability, and on-field performance, enhancing the Wave’s championship ambitions.