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.

San Diego Wave and American international center-back Naomi Girma agreed to move to English side Chelsea for a world-record women's transfer fee of $1.1 million, The Athletic's Meg Linehan reported Tuesday.

After three seasons with San Diego Wave FC, Naomi Girma has made history in the NWSL as the defender has signed with Chelsea FC in the Women’s Super League (WSL) for