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Orlando Pride Sign Barbra Banda Through 2029

Securing the club's leading scorer with a deal tied to new NWSL roster rules signals a long-term push to stay competitive for championships.

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Aug 29, 2026; Orlando, Florida, USA; Orlando Pride forward Barbra Banda (11) celebrates a first half goal against the Utah Royals at Inter&Co Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Russell Lansford-Imagn Images

Overview

  • The Pride announced a new contract for forward Barbra Banda that runs through the 2029 season, with the club calling it a landmark agreement.
  • Terms were not disclosed by the team, but ESPN reported the deal used the NWSL’s High Impact Player mechanism to structure one of the league’s largest contracts.
  • Banda returned from a severe hip and groin injury suffered in 2025 and has set a club single-season scoring mark with 16 goals in 20 matches this season.
  • Since joining Orlando in 2024 she has totaled 41 goals and 11 assists in 62 appearances and helped the Pride win the 2024 NWSL Shield and Championship.
  • Banda, who previously played in Zambia, China and Spain, has earned a third straight Ballon d’Or nomination and the signing could shape how NWSL teams use new roster and pay tools to retain elite players.