Copper Queens forward Barbra Banda has signed a new contract with Orlando Pride that will keep her at the club through the 2029 season.
The Pride announced the landmark agreement on Monday, securing the future of one of the most influential players in women’s football.
Orlando Pride owner and chairman Mark Wilf hailed Banda’s impact since joining the club, saying the 26-year-old has helped elevate the team to new heights.
“Barbra is a transformational player whose impact extends far beyond the goals she scores on the field,” Wilf said. “She represents the ambition, excellence and winning culture we’ve built and want to sustain long-term. Since arriving in Orlando, she has helped elevate our club to new heights and establish us among the world’s premier women’s football organizations. 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. We are proud that Orlando will continue to be her home for years to come.”
Banda expressed her delight at extending her stay with the Pride.
“I am very happy to continue my journey with Pride,” Banda said. “I want to thank my teammates, coaches, staff and the fans for believing in me and supporting me every day. Orlando has become a special place for me, and I am excited to keep fighting for this club and win more trophies together.”
Banda joined Orlando Pride in March 2024 in one of the largest investments in the NWSL at the time and immediately played a pivotal role in the club’s historic 2024 campaign.
She helped Orlando win the NWSL Shield and NWSL Championship, becoming part of only the third team in league history to complete the double.
Banda scored 13 regular-season goals and provided six assists in her debut NWSL season before adding four postseason goals, including the winning goal in the NWSL Championship Final. She was subsequently named Championship MVP.
In 2025, Banda continued to make her mark, scoring eight goals in 16 regular-season appearances despite missing time through injury. She also scored the first hat-trick in Orlando Pride history as the club reached the NWSL Playoffs semifinals for a second consecutive season.
Banda has enjoyed another record-setting campaign in 2026, scoring a club-record 16 goals and adding three assists across all competitions.
Her 16 goals surpassed the previous single-season club record of 13, set by Marta in 2017 and matched by Banda during Orlando’s championship-winning 2024 season.
The Zambian striker has also become just the fourth player in NWSL history to reach 16 goals in a single season.
Overall, Banda has scored 41 goals and provided 11 assists in 62 appearances across all competitions during her three seasons with Orlando Pride.
