Denver Summit FC to sign U.S. defender Ayo Oke for $450K, a potential NWSL record for an American player.

Denver Summit FC, an upcoming NWSL expansion team, is set to sign American defender Ayo Oke from Mexico’s Pachuca for a reported $450,000, potentially setting a new NWSL record for the highest transfer fee paid for an American player. Oke, 22, played college soccer at Cal and UCLA and has represented the U.S. at youth international levels. The deal highlights increasing financial investment in domestic talent as the league expands, though it remains below fees paid for international players. The team, still building its roster, includes Kaleigh Kurtz, Carson Pickett, and Ally Watt.