One of the biggest blockbuster trades in NWSL history was confirmed last week, with Lynn Williams and Cassie Miller headed to the Seattle Reign in exchange for Jaelin Howell, an international roster spot, and allocation money going to Gotham in return. Gotham followed this move by sending Yazmeen Ryan to Houston for a NWSL-record transfer fee yesterday.

If, like me, your first question is “how will this affect my FNWSL team in 2025?” then don’t worry, we’ve got you! This, as well as the potential fantasy impact of many other major transactions of the 2024-2025 off-season will be covered in this article. Keep this page bookmarked – we’ll be adding to it as the off-season continues!

• After the trade of Bethany Balcer for Jaelin Howell from Seattle to Louisville last season, we mentioned a few times how unpredictable the Reign front line was from match to match. A player of Lynn Williams’ caliber should really solidify the Reign attack, and I’d predict we see a three player front line of Williams, Jordyn Huitema, and Tziarra King to start next season. Meanwhile, Howell joins a crowded midfield that has lost Ryan and Delanie Sheehan but still includes Rose Lavelle and Midge Purce. Look for Howell to slot in to more of a defensive midfielder role in Gotham alongside Emily Sonnett.
• Izzy D’Aquila, who has seen quite a few minutes over the past few seasons while Sophia Smith was on international duty, was waived by Portland on December 10th. This could mean even more opportunity for Alexa Spaanstra, who signed a new contract with the Thorns in October that will keep her in the Pacific Northwest for at least 2 more seasons.
• Both Tatumn Milazzo and Maxi Rall have moved on from Chicago, meaning that Taylor Malham and Camryn Biegalski will likely see plenty of playing time next year next to Sam Staab and Natalia Kuikka.
• Penelope Hocking extended her contract with Bay FC for a three years and options for a further two. Hocking wasn’t quite able to recapture her goalscoring efficiency from early 2024 following her move to Bay, but this is a serious vote of confidence from a team that finished the season very strong.
• Madison Curry, one of 2024’s most underrated FNWSL defenders, also signed a three year extension after moving to Seattle. She should see plenty of playing time, especially with Sofia Huerta at Lyon for the first half of the season.
• Look for Yazmeen Ryan to see lot of minutes and make an instant impact in Houston!
• Julia Bianchi, who played a variety of positions for the Red Stars in 2024, returned home to Brazil to join SC Internacional. This will likely open up some more minutes for Cari Roccaro and Leilanni Nesbeth in 2025.
• Anaïg Butel has also returned home, signing a contract with FC Fleury. For now, it’s likely that Esme Morgan will move to a starting spot at center back alongside Tara McKeown after starting three of Washington’s final four matches in 2024.
• Speaking of Tara McKeown, she and the Spirit have exercised their mutual option, which will keep her in Washington through 2028. Though technically classified as a center back, McKeown is as involved in the Spirit attack as any attacker, which makes her one of the most valuable DFs in FNWSL. Look for that role to continue in 2025 and beyond!
• Jaedyn Shaw has been traded to North Carolina for a package of allocation money, transfer fees, and international roster slots. With the departure of Kerolin to join Manchester City, look for Shaw to become the focus of the Courage attack – and for Ashley Sanchez to create lots of opportunities for her!
• In addition to Shaw’s departure, there’s been a LOT of turnover in San Diego over the last few months, especially the retirement of Alex Morgan and Naomi Girma moving to Chelsea for a world record fee. This should open up significant minutes for new players on the Wave, which could translate into serious fantasy value. I’ll probably wait and see how the lineup shakes out, but keep an eye on FW Kyra Carusa, who should see more minutes this season, as well as rookie DF Trinity Armstrong and Nigerian international MF Favour Emmanuel.
• DFs Naomi Girma and Jenna Nighswonger have both moved to the WSL – check here for thoughts on replacement strategies!
• Adriana has moved to the Saudi PL, leaving a lot of minutes open next to Barbra Banda on the Orlando front line. The Pride have resigned Marta and added Zambian FW Prisca Chilufya, both of whom should see more playing time, but Ally Watt may end up seeing the largest increase.

Any other transactions you’re wondering about? Comment or tweet @MansersAnswers!