Story perspectives

Catarina Macario Joins San Diego Wave FC for $8M

3/17/2026

Summary

Story summary

Catarina Macario (soccer player) signed with San Diego Wave FC on a contract worth about $8 million over five years.
The deal includes a $300,000 transfer fee from Chelsea, where her contract was due to expire.
Macario is part of a trend of players moving overseas despite injury challenges and is expected to have an immediate impact in the NWSL.

History

Historical Context

The inaugural FIFA Women's World Cup in 1991, held in China, marked a significant milestone for women's soccer, with the U.S. team winning the title. Following the success of the 1999 World Cup, which drew 90,185 spectators, the Women's United Soccer Association was formed in 2000 but folded by 2003 due to financial issues. The establishment of the National Women's Soccer League in 2012 has since provided a more stable platform for the sport's growth.

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Story summary

Catarina Macario (soccer player) signed with San Diego Wave FC on a contract worth about $8 million over five years.
The deal includes a $300,000 transfer fee from Chelsea, where her contract was due to expire.
Macario is part of a trend of players moving overseas despite injury challenges and is expected to have an immediate impact in the NWSL.

1 / 2