Gotham FC acquires USWNT player Jaedyn Shaw in record-breaking trade | OneFootball

In one of the most surprising trades in recent memory, NJ/NY Gotham FC acquired USWNT midfielder Jaedyn Shaw from the North Carolina Courage for $1.25 million in intra-league transfer funds. This is more than double the previous record of $600k that the Kansas City Current paid to acquire Ally Sentnor from the Utah Royals. Shaw, who is signed through the 2026 season, is reportedly expected to sign a contract extension through 2029 as part of the trade, per ESPN. She will wear the number 2, last worn by Jenna Nighswonger in 2024.

Gotham, who, according to Jeff Kassouf of ESPN, "were seeking to add a player with creativity to their squad," got a player in Shaw who has struggled so far in 2025 since being traded from San Diego Wave FC to the Courage in January. She currently has just three goals this season, two of which have come in the last three matches, in 19 appearances this season.

This was a transaction, according to Juan Carlos Amorós in his pregame media availability, that "happened quickly". A brief timeline of events saw her arrive at Newark Liberty International Airport on Tuesday night, go through a medical on Wednesday, then travel with the team to San Diego and take part in her first training session with the club on Friday.

In an interview on the Full Time podcast from The Athletic, general manager Yael Averbuch West described Shaw as a player that they have "watched very closely since even before she became a professional" and that "she has the tools to help this roster now and in the future."

Trading for Jaedyn Shaw is a move for the present and the future

In recent weeks, Gotham FC has looked rejuvenated and much improved, especially in the attacking sense of the game. This, combined with some poorer form from teams both ahead and around the Bats in the table, has seen the team move from eighth to sixth and only three points behind this weekend's opponent, the San Diego Wave, in third place. This resurgence may have been a key part of why they pulled the trigger on this trade now rather than waiting until the offseason.

Many people expected Shaw to be a one-and-done player in North Carolina, with her likely finding a new home in the offseason. But as mentioned earlier, Gotham may have newfound optimism for this season. Their defense has only been bested by Kansas City over the course of this season, and with the addition of Shaw to their attack, which has been better in recent weeks, the roster is more dynamic and arguably more complete. Add to this the fact that this team is as healthy as they have arguably ever been since Amorós took over in 2023, and things are moving in Gotham's favor as this season comes to an end.

Plus, teams like San Diego and the Orlando Pride have been struggling in recent weeks, and the NJ/NY side may now view themselves, with the addition of Shaw, as a real threat to potentially win another NWSL Championship. This is something many thought unthinkable, even just a month ago.

It's also not just in the here and now that Shaw can make a real difference for Gotham; it is the future as well. Remember, she does not turn 21 until November, and 2026 will already be her fourth season in the NWSL. She has a great balance of youth and experience that very few other players in NWSL have.

When Gotham FC had their huge roster overhaul this past offseason, many people expected them to take a bit of a step back and not be the dominant force in 2024, before then reloading again in anticipation of a bounce-back 2026. Shaw was probably a player they had on their radar for the offseason, but that timeline was clearly accelerated by the player, Gotham, or North Carolina. Either way, the club gets one of their main targets for 2026 a little bit earlier than anticipated.

Meanwhile, the USWNT is in a prime position for a return to form after a difficult spell with North Carolina. This is in part due to her joining a team with more talent in Gotham, but also a head coach in Amorós. He has a large body of work, not only being flexible in finding ways to put players in positions to succeed, but also managing to improve a slew of young players, including Yazmeen Ryan, Delanie Sheehan, Jenna Nighswonger, Nealy Martin, and Lilly Reale.

Given her age and current ability, Shaw could be the centerpiece of Gotham FC for potentially the next decade. General Manager Averbuch West's willingness to continually find ways, both big and small, to improve this team should be commended. This could very easily be a trade that fans look back on as being a really important move for the future of the club. The Bats not only traded for one of the best young talents in the United States, but they made a statement of ambition that they plan on remaining one of the premier teams, not just in North America, but in the world.