Zambian forward Barbara Banda has secured a notable transfer to the National Women’s Soccer League’s Orlando Pride from Chinese Super League team Shanghai Shengli, with the deal setting a remarkable $740,000 transfer fee, according to sources cited by ESPN. This transaction now stands as the second-highest transfer fee in world soccer history, trailing only Banda’s compatriot Racheal Kundananji, who recently set the global record with her move to NWSL expansion team Bay FC.

Banda’s contract with Orlando Pride spans four years and is valued at approximately $2.1 million, inclusive of bonuses, making her one of the highest-paid players in the NWSL. Shanghai Shengli, her former team, will retain a sell-on clause, ensuring a percentage of the fee if Banda, 23, is transferred to another club in the future.

The influx of African talent into the NWSL is evident, with Banda joining a growing contingent of players from the continent, including her Zambian teammate Kundananji. Notably, Nigeria forward Asisat Oshoala also recently made headlines with her transfer to Bay FC from FC Barcelona.

The women’s soccer transfer market is experiencing substantial growth, as highlighted by FIFA’s announcement that the January 2023 transfer window set a new record with $2.1 million in fees paid, representing a remarkable 165% increase from the previous year. While many global transfer windows are closed until summer, the NWSL’s primary transfer window remains open until April 16. Orlando Pride’s acquisition of Banda, similar to Kundananji’s transfer to Bay FC, includes an additional salary-cap hit, reflecting spending beyond the NWSL’s $500,000 net transfer threshold.