The Colorado Rapids have announced the transfer of midfielder Cole Bassett to Portland Timbers FC. The Rapids will receive $2.65 million in a cash-for-player deal, with the possibility of earning up to an additional $1.05 million if certain performance metrics are achieved. The club may also retain a percentage of any future trade or transfer should Bassett be sold above a specified amount.
“Cole has been an important part of this club for a long time, not only for what he contributed on the field but for the way he represented the Rapids off it as well,” said Colorado Rapids President Pádraig Smith. “As a Homegrown player, he set a strong example within our locker room, in our community, and for the next generation coming through our Academy. We’re grateful for everything he’s given the club and wish him nothing but success in the next chapter of his career.”
Bassett, 24, leaves after making 172 appearances across all competitions since joining Colorado as a Homegrown Player. He scored 31 goals and recorded 21 assists during his time with the club. He is recognized as the club’s all-time leader among Homegrown players in MLS regular season appearances, starts, minutes played, goals, and assists. Bassett holds several age-based records at Colorado, including being the youngest player to play a complete match (17 years, 77 days) and to record a goal contribution (17 years, 252 days). In MLS regular season history with Colorado, he ranks tied for fifth in appearances, tied for sixth in goals and total goal contributions, and ninth in assists and minutes played.
“In getting to know the group over the past few weeks and the history of this club, it’s clear how much Cole has meant to the Rapids,” said Colorado Rapids Head Coach Matt Wells. “He’s been a true professional and a Homegrown player who sets a high standard every single day. We wish him nothing but success as he begins this next chapter in Portland.”
A native of Littleton, Colorado, Bassett signed his first professional contract with Colorado in 2018. He was named to MLS’s “22 under 22” list three consecutive times from 2019 to 2021 and has represented the United States at both youth and senior national team levels.
The transaction marks one of the most significant moves involving a Homegrown player for Colorado Rapids.
