She’s helped invigorate the KC Current’s defense. Now she has new NWSL contract
AI-generated summary reviewed by our newsroom.
- Kayla Sharples signs contract extension with KC Current through 2027 season.
- Sharples played all minutes in 2025, aiding league-low goals conceded by KC.
- KC Current still faces 13 player contract expirations after 2025 season ends.
The Kansas City Current has conceded the fewest goals in the National Women’s Soccer League so far in 2025. That’s thanks in large part to stout defense.
Kayla Sharples has been a key member of the Current’s stalwart defensive efforts since arriving via a trade in August 2024. She’s helped lock down the KC back line ... and now the Current’s locking her down for a few more seasons.
The club on Tuesday announced a contract extension for Sharples, who had been set to become a free agent at the end of this season. She will remain with the Current through the 2027 season, with a mutual option for 2028.
“I’m beyond proud to continue to call Kansas City home,” Sharples said in a KC Current news release about the contract extension. “Every day, I’m surrounded by teammates who challenge me –— creating exactly the environment I want to be part of.
“I didn’t choose this city just to play,” she added. “I chose it to grow, to win championships and to chase the best version of myself … I’m ready to give everything I have to this club and community.” The Current acquired the Naperville, Illinois native in a trade with Bay FC on Aug. 28, 2024 — KC sent goalkeeper Jordan Silkowitz and $15,000 in allocation money west in order to acquire her. Sharples has since appeared in 23 games, during which the Current has allowed just 16 goals with 12 clean sheets.
It’s safe to say that trade has worked out very well for the Current.
“Kayla is an established defender who quickly became a vital part of the Current’s back line,” Current general manager Caitlin Carducci said in the team’s news release. Carducci brought Sharples to the Current while holding the interim GM tag.
Sharples has played every minute of every game for the Current in 2025. She ranks seventh in the league for her percentage of aerial duels won (72.4%) and fifth for percentage of dribblers tackled (83.3%).
“She is tough, gritty, and a true competitor who represents the best of what the Kansas City Current has to offer on the field,” Carducci said. “She is an incredibly hard worker and has fit into our club seamlessly. We are excited about her future in Kansas City.”
After extending Sharples, the Current still has 13 players with contracts that expire after this season. Among them are some big names: Lo’eau LaBonta, Kristen Hamilton, Hailie Mace and Bia Zaneratto.
This story was originally published July 29, 2025 at 11:12 AM.