US Soccer Star Catarina Macario Signs Record Deal with San Diego Wave

American forward Catarina Macario has left Chelsea to join the San Diego Wave in what's being called one of the largest contracts in women's soccer history. The deal runs through 2030 and was made possible by the NWSL's new High Impact Player Rule allowing teams to exceed salary caps.

American soccer star Catarina Macario has made a major move back to the United States, leaving Chelsea to sign with the San Diego Wave in what officials are calling one of the most lucrative deals in women’s professional soccer.

The forward, who lived in San Diego during her youth after relocating from Brazil, has agreed to a contract extending through the 2030 season. The deal was made possible through the NWSL’s recently established High Impact Player Rule, which was introduced last December and permits teams to exceed salary cap limits by up to $1 million for designated star players.

“Cat is a world-class player who has consistently performed at the highest levels of the game,” Wave Sporting Director and General Manager Camille Ashton said in a media release. “She is an intelligent, technical and creative attacker with exceptional vision and composure in the final third.”

After obtaining U.S. citizenship in 2020, Macario moved to Chelsea in 2023 where she contributed to the team’s consecutive Women’s Super League championships over two seasons. During her tenure in London, she also helped secure an FA Cup and League Cup for the club.

Her international resume includes 16 goals across 29 matches since making her debut in 2021. Macario was also part of the U.S. squad that earned bronze at the Tokyo Olympics in 2020.

“From my first conversations with the club, I felt the ambition and the vision for what we can accomplish together, including bringing trophies to this city,” said Macario, who will be presented to supporters during Saturday’s home match halftime ceremony.

“I’m grateful for the belief they’ve shown in me, and I can’t wait to get started and give everything for this team and my community.”