On October 1, 2025, the Washington Spirit announced they had traded forward Chloe Ricketts to the Houston Dash in exchange for $15,000 in transfer threshold funds. Spirit Interim General Manager Nathan Minion praised Ricketts’ time in D.C., stating:
“She has a long and bright career ahead of her … we appreciate her commitment to the club.”
During her tenure at Washington, Ricketts appeared in 34 matches across all competitions, registering one goal and one assist in nearly 1,200 minutes. She originally joined the Spirit in March 2023 under the NWSL’s Under-18 Entry Mechanism, becoming the youngest contracted player in league history at that time.
Chloe Ricketts plays against Gotham FC in her first season with Washington Spirit. Photography courtesy of Washington Spirit
Boston Legacy FC locks in future signing
Just hours after the trade news, Boston Legacy FC confirmed that they had signed Ricketts on a pre-contract, meaning she will officially join the club in January 2026 when the current NWSL season concludes. Her contract with Boston will run through 2028, with an option for 2029.
Boston clarified that Ricketts will spend the remainder of 2025 on a short-term deal with Houston, following her move from Washington. The club emphasized her youth, national team experience, and versatility, noting she had already made 30 senior-level appearances by age 18.
General Manager Domè Guasch added:
“At the age of 18, Chloe has already made 30 senior appearances … Chloe will add energy, versatility and creativity to our squad.”
What this means for Ricketts, the clubs, and the league
Chloe Ricketts and the Washington Spirit play against Orlando Pride at Inter&Co Stadium for the NWSL Challenge Cup on March 7, 2025 in Orlando, Florida. Photo courtesy of Washington Spirit.
Ricketts’ path continues to illustrate how the NWSL is evolving in terms of youth development. As a high-potential young American talent, her movement underscores how expansion clubs like Boston Legacy are investing early. Her stint with Houston will not only give her immediate playing opportunities but also let Boston evaluate her in competitive settings before she joins full time.
For Washington, the trade represents a return of funds for a player who had been with them since her teenage years. For Houston, the acquisition signals willingness to integrate young talent into their roster, at least in the short term.
As Boston prepares for its inaugural season in 2026, securing Ricketts is a statement of intent: they are building a roster with long-term upside. It also raises anticipation around how she will mature in her new environment and what role she will play in shaping the identity of the new team.
Wishing all success to Chloe Ricketts except against the Spirit.
JoeW
October 5, 2025 9:08 pm
I’m sorry she wasn’t able to get more PT here in Washington–I always thought she had pretty good potential. I hope she gets time and builds confidence in the remainder of the season with Houston and then gets a fresh start in Boston.
Wishing all success to Chloe Ricketts except against the Spirit.
I’m sorry she wasn’t able to get more PT here in Washington–I always thought she had pretty good potential. I hope she gets time and builds confidence in the remainder of the season with Houston and then gets a fresh start in Boston.