Kansas City Current receives Expansion Draft protection in trade with Utah Royals

The Kansas City Current will have complete protection in the upcoming NWSL Expansion Draft after completing a trade with the Utah Royals. The Current, who already had protection from Bay FC due to an earlier trade, will receive protection from the Royals and $75,000 in allocation funds in exchange for defender Kate Del Fava and Kansas City’s natural first round pick in the 2024 NWSL Draft (fourth overall).

“Kate is a player that has grown tremendously in her time with this club, and we wish her the best in her return to Utah,” said general manager Camille Ashton. “This was a difficult decision, and we thank Kate for all of her contributions to the Club.”

Del Fava was drafted by the last iteration of the Utah Royals with the 12th overall selection in the 2020 NWSL Draft. After playing a reserve role in her first two seasons, 2022 saw her play more of a regular role in the team’s lineup. Del Fava appeared in every regular season match for the Current over the past two seasons and ranks second on the club’s all-time career games played list (53) and third in all-time minutes played (3,928).

Next up, the club has the 2024 NWSL Draft to be held in Anaheim, California January 12, 2024. The team also expects to announce several roster additions before the start of the New Year.