SAN JOSE, CA — Bay FC has been linked to a potential move for USWNT and former Stanford standout Catarina Macario, according to the San Francisco Chronicle. The report says Macario’s agent described discussions with the club as being in the “preliminary phases.”
The Chronicle notes the timing comes as the NWSL introduced the High Impact Player (HIP) Rule, a mechanism that would allow clubs to spend up to $1,000,000 above the salary cap on qualifying players. The league said the rule is set to take effect July 1, 2026, and that teams can sign players before that date as long as they don’t need to apply the additional cap room until the rule is active.
Bay FC’s need for attacking production remains a key backdrop. The Chronicle reported the club finished last in the league in scoring last season with 26 goals in 26 matches and placed 13th in the standings. Macario is currently under contract with Chelsea until July 1, 2026, per the Chronicle, which added that FIFA regulations would allow her to sign a pre-contract beginning Jan. 1, six months before her deal expires.
The report also highlighted uncertainty around ratification of the HIP rule, noting the NWSL Players Association has expressed opposition. Even with that unresolved, the rule’s announcement and Bay FC’s reported connection to Macario signal an offseason in which the club could be positioned to pursue a marquee addition.
.png)
