San Diego Wave acquires Ludmila in trade with Chicago Stars; pays $800,000 with potential for more – Equalizer Soccer

Credit: Denis Poroy-Imagn Images

When the Chicago Stars open their 2026 season at Martin Stadium, it’ll be without their leading goalscorer from last year’s campaign. Ludmila, the Brazilian forward, has been traded to the San Diego Wave in exchange for an $800,000 transfer fee funds and up to an additional $200,000 in conditional transfer fee. Ludmila signed a three-year contract with San Diego.

It’s a massive loss for a Chicago side that has struggled to find its footing in recent years, and a needed piece for San Diego in light of the report from L’Équipe that 2025 MVP finalist Delphine Cascarino is headed to WSL side London City Lionesses.

San Diego sporting director and general manager Camille Ashton said of Ludmila in a press release, “Her versatility allows her to operate in multiple attacking roles, giving our coaches more tactical options in different game situations. Her creativity and movement will enhance our ability to break down defenses, and we’re confident she will be a valuable asset to the Club’s success moving forward.”

Ludmila was one of the few bright spots in an abysmal year for Chicago. She logged 10 goals, including a memorable hat trick on August 22 against North Carolina. She joined the Stars in the middle of the 2024 season.

Ludmila is that ideal combination of talent and personality any club wants to build around; the Stars will now have to rely on other players as they move into a new stadium in a more central part of Chicagoland.

Those players include USWNT up-and-comer Jameese Joseph, who had developed an exciting partnership with Ludmila on the pitch. Superstar Mallory Swanson, who gave birth in the fall, will likely look to return to the pitch this year. 

Chicago has had other departures this offseason, most notably Ally Schlegel to North Carolina.

San Diego has also seen key departures in recent years. This offseason, San Diego and goalkeeper and captain Kaelin Sheridan terminated their contract; she recently signed with North Carolina. Hanna Lundkvist left too; she’s now at Manchester United. The Wave also traded midfielder Savannah McCaskill to Gotham FC. Since coach Casey Stoney was fired in 2024, Naomi Girma, Jaedyn Shaw, María Sánchez, and others have left San Diego.

The team, who is now led by head coach Jonas Eidevall, was knocked out of the 2025 playoffs in the quarterfinals by Portland. Additions this offseason include multiple players out of college and keeper Leah Freeman. Heading into the 2026 NWSL season, the Wave will look to build off of momentum from winning the inaugural North American World Sevens Football tournament in December.