United States international Jaedyn Shaw has officially joined the North Carolina Courage, as first reported by The Equalizer on Saturday.
Shaw was transferred from San Diego Wave FC to the Courage following her trade request in early 2024, as previously disclosed by The Equalizer. In exchange, San Diego acquired $300,000 in allocation money, $150,000 in intra-league transfer funds, and an international roster spot for both the 2025 and 2026 NWSL seasons.
Subject to unspecified conditions—details not publicly disclosed—the Courage may send an additional $75,000 in allocation money to the Wave this year, allowing for potential access to $150,000 in extra intra-league transfer funds. These conditions, according to a source familiar with the arrangement, depend on the Courage obtaining greater allocation funding in 2025, permitting the Wave to secure it at a 2-to-1 ratio, exchanging $2 in intra-league funds for each $1 in allocation money. The conditions are not related to Shaw’s individual performance.
“I am so grateful to be here and to call North Carolina home,” Shaw expressed in a statement. “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.”
This transaction ranks among the largest in NWSL history for a single player, although the final figures are contingent on certain conditions. The record for total acquisition remains with the Wave’s $500,000 commitment for winger Maria Sanchez last year.
At just 20, Shaw is recognized as one of the most promising young offensive talents in American soccer. She joined the Wave in the summer of 2022 at just 17 and scored in her initial three NWSL appearances. Shaw played a crucial role in helping San Diego qualify for the playoffs as an expansion team that season and clinched the NWSL Shield the following year.
However, by 2024, she sought a trade, identifying North Carolina as a preferred destination.
“Jaedyn’s impact on and off the field has been a significant part of our club’s growth,” noted sporting director and general manager Camille Ashton in a statement. “Early last season, Jaedyn expressed her desire to take on a new challenge and explore other options outside the Wave. While it’s always difficult to see such a talented player leave, we respect and understand her choice to pursue a new chapter in her career, and we are pleased to have supported her in making this move. We wish her success in her future endeavors.”
Before signing with San Diego, Shaw trained with the Washington Spirit after the Wave secured her rights through a former discovery process. Initially, she had intended to play for the University of North Carolina, located nearby, before opting to turn professional.
“Adding Jaedyn to our roster marks an exceptional day for our club,” stated Courage coach Sean Nahas in a statement. “She possesses a remarkable skill set at such a young age and will be integral to our team. Her abilities on the ball, particularly in possession and dribbling, will be crucial in breaking down opposition defenses. She aligns with our style of play, and our fans will have the opportunity to see one of the most exciting young talents regularly. We eagerly anticipate welcoming this gifted player and exceptional person to our team. It’s indeed a fantastic day for us as we look forward to having Jaedyn in Courage Country.”
The Wave recently appointed former Arsenal manager Jonas Eidevall after a challenging 2024 season, during which the team struggled at the bottom of the standings and parted ways with former head coach Casey Stoney, who has since taken over the Canadian national team. Team president Jill Ellis transitioned to a new role at FIFA, while the Wave and the NWSL currently face legal action from six former employees alleging various forms of discrimination, sexual harassment, retaliation, and wrongful termination.
A source knowledgeable about the situation indicated that Shaw’s trade request came before these developments and Camille Ashton’s appointment at the club in June.
Image Source: Ringo Chiu / Shutterstock
