While Chelsea and the Wave have not released a figure, previous reports pegged the transfer fee at $1.1 million. That money could cover one-third of the Wave’s 2025 payroll. The National Women’s Soccer League caps payrolls at $3.3 million per team per year; top players make between $200,000 and $500,000 per season.

US Women’s National Team (USWNT) defender Naomi Girma has become women’s soccer’s first ever million-dollar player, joining English champion Chelsea from San Diego Wave FC.

United States defender Naomi Girma has become women’s soccer’s first million-dollar player. Who else is on the list of most expensive transfers?

Chelsea have smashed the transfer record in the women's game to sign USA international Naomi Girma from NWSL side San Diego Wave. The London club unveiled their new signing in front of more than 30,000 supporters at Stamford Bridge on Sunday afternoon ahead of their game against Arsenal in the Women's Super League.

Chelsea FC and San Diego Wave FC have agreed to the terms of a transfer that will make United States women’s national team centerback Naomi Girma the first $1 million transfer in women’s soccer history.