The San Diego Wave have remade their organization in a matter of months, parting ways with household names on the field, sideline and front office in search of the success that eluded them in 2024.

And while Sunday’s announcement that Naomi Girma will be transferred to Chelsea FC of the Women’s Super League has been expected for nearly a week, it still stings.

Girma, after all, is widely viewed as the United States’ top defender and one of the country’s best young players regardless of position. She was the Wave’s first-ever draft pick, going No. 1 overall in 2022.

And she has been, along with now-former stars Alex Morgan and Jaedyn Shaw, the face of a franchise that has meant so much to so many over three years.

But opportunity is opportunity — and money is money. Not only is the 24-year-old Girma expected to more than double her salary by moving to the English club, the Wave will receive a record transfer fee in exchange for their young star.

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.

Simply, there’s more money for stars like Girma at clubs like Chelsea. It’s why Girma’s representatives approached the Wave a year ago about a transfer — and why San Diego was ultimately willing to part with its young star.

“San Diego Wave has been such an important part of my journey,” Girma said in a news release. “I’ll forever be thankful for the opportunities I’ve had to grow here and for the incredible relationships I’ve built with my teammates, the sporting staff, and our amazing fans. I’m especially grateful to ownership and (general manager) Cami (Ashton) for supporting my dream of playing in Europe.

“San Diego will always hold a special place in my heart, and I wish nothing but the best for the team moving forward.”

Girma was an impact player from the second she arrived in San Diego, starting 27 matches and playing every minute as a rookie. She was named the 2022 NWSL Rookie of the Year and Defender of the Year. Girma started 22 matches in 2023, leading the Wave to the NWSL’s best regular-season record and a spot in the league semifinal match.

Girma balanced her Wave obligations with a trip to the Paris Olympics in 2024, but still managed to start 21 matches and finish with a league-high 91.4% passing accuracy. She was named second-team All-NWSL after making the first team — or Best XI — in each of her first two seasons.

A San Jose native who played collegiately at Stanford, Girma will now try her hand at a different league on a new continent.

“Naomi has been an integral part of the club since the day she was drafted in the inaugural season, and her impact on and off the field has been immeasurable,” Ashton said. “While it’s difficult to part ways with a player of Naomi’s caliber, we are incredibly proud of all she has achieved during her time with us. She has set a high standard here, and we wish her nothing but success as she continues her career overseas.

“Our focus has been and will continue to be building a team to compete for championships.”

After stacking its team with well-known, highly paid players for the last three years, San Diego will try a different approach in 2025. Striker María Sánchez returns and will likely be the club’s marquee player after struggling to score during most of the 2024 season. Goalkeeper Kailen Sheridan will be leaned on again, and the club will try to find gold among the young American and international players it has signed since the midway point of last season. Three French-born players will compete for starting spots, as will newcomers from Germany, Nigeria and Colombia and college stars from Texas and North Carolina.

The Wave opens their 2025 season on March 16 with a game at Angel City FC. The club’s home opener is scheduled for March 22 against the Utah Royals.

Originally Published: January 26, 2025 at 9:00 AM PST