Zambia star Barbra Banda signs landmark Orlando Pride deal through 2029

Orlando Pride have secured the long-term future of Zambia forward Barbra Banda after handing the star striker a landmark contract extension through the 2029 season.

The NWSL club announced the agreement on Monday, rewarding Banda for her outstanding contribution since arriving in Orlando in 2024.

At 26, Banda has established herself as one of the league’s most feared attackers and is enjoying the most prolific campaign of her Pride career.

She has scored a club-record 16 goals in 20 matches this season, surpassing the previous single-season mark of 13 goals set by Brazilian icon Marta in 2017.

Banda had matched Marta’s record in her first season with the Pride in 2024, but has now moved clear at the top of the club’s scoring charts.

Her remarkable output has strengthened her status as one of the leading forwards in women’s football and earned her a third consecutive Ballon d’Or Femenin nomination.

Orlando make major statement

While financial details of the agreement were not disclosed, ESPN reported that Orlando used the NWSL’s new High Impact Player mechanism to secure Banda on one of the league’s biggest contracts.

The decision underlines the club’s determination to keep the players central to its ambitions and build a team capable of competing for major honours over the long term.

Team owner and chairman Mark Wilf described Banda as a key figure in Orlando’s rise since her arrival.

“Barbra is a transformational player whose impact extends far beyond the goals she scores on the field,” Wilf said.

“Securing Barbra’s future is a reflection of our commitment to competing for championships year after year and investing in the players who define our club.”

Banda has made an immediate impact since moving to the United States, scoring 41 goals and providing 11 assists in 62 appearances across all NWSL competitions.

Her influence was particularly evident during Orlando’s historic 2024 campaign, when she helped the Pride win both the NWSL Championship and the NWSL Shield.

She also made further history in 2025 by scoring the first hat-trick in Orlando’s history.

Banda targets more trophies

Banda’s decision to remain in Orlando gives the club a proven match-winner as it continues to chase domestic success.

General manager and vice president of soccer operations Caitlin Carducci said retaining the Zambian was essential to the Pride’s long-term plans.

“Barbra is a cornerstone of everything we are building at the Pride,” Carducci said.

“She is one of the most dynamic players in world football, and her impact on our club has been extraordinary from the moment she arrived in Orlando.”

Banda, meanwhile, expressed her delight at extending her stay with the club and thanked those who have supported her since her move.

“I am very happy to continue my journey with Pride,” Banda said.

“Orlando has become a special place for me, and I am excited to keep fighting for this club and win more trophies together.”

The Zambian began her professional career in her home country before spells in China and Spain, eventually making the move to the NWSL.

Her latest contract keeps one of women’s football’s most prolific forwards in Orlando until 2029 and gives the Pride a major attacking figure around whom to build their next chapter.