NWSL side Orlando Pride has signed Zambian forward Barbra Banda from Chinese Super League team Shanghai Shengli for a record-breaking $740,000 transfer fee, according to sources familiar with the deal. The fee makes Banda's move the second-largest in women's soccer history, trailing only her teammate Racheal Kundananji, whose transfer to Bay FC last month set the global record with a $785,000 deal. Banda's four-year contract with the Pride is valued at approximately $2.1 million, including bonuses, making her one of the highest-paid players in the NWSL. Shanghai will also receive a percentage of any future transfer fee through a sell-on clause. Banda joins a growing number of African stars in the NWSL, including her fellow Zambian, Kundananji, and Nigerian forward Asisat Oshoala, who recently signed with Bay FC from FC Barcelona. This transfer further highlights the growth of the women's soccer transfer market. FIFA reported a record $2.1 million in transfer fees during the January 2023 window, a significant 165% increase from the previous year. While most international transfer windows are closed until summer, the NWSL's window remains open until April 16. Similar to Kundananji's transfer, Banda's high fee was driven by a substantial buyout clause in her Shanghai contract, according to a source familiar with the deal. To acquire Banda, Orlando will incur an additional salary-cap hit due to exceeding the NWSL's new $500,000 net transfer threshold. An official announcement from the club regarding the transfer is expected soon.