The deal the Washington Spirit announced on Thursday ended weeks of uncertainty over Trinity Rodman’s future after her previous contract with the club expired on December 31.
“I knew this was where I wanted to enter the next chapter of my career,” the 23-year-old said in a statement. “I’m proud of what we’ve built since my rookie season, and I’m excited about where this club is headed. We’re chasing championships and raising the standard, and I can’t wait to keep doing that with my teammates and the best fans in the NWSL.”
The club described the contract as “one of the most significant contracts in the NWSL and the women’s game worldwide, reflecting both Rodman’s elite status and the Spirit’s role as a global standard-bearer in women’s soccer.”
In five seasons in the league, Rodman has scored 33 goals and added 21 assists in 109 games across all competitions.
‘Highest paid player’
American outlets ESPN and The Athletic reported the three-year deal is worth more than $2 million (€1.7 million) annually, including bonuses. Her agent, Mike Senkowski, said the contract would make her the highest-paid player in women’s football.
Barcelona midfielder Aitana Bonmati, a three-time Ballon d’Or winner, had reportedly been the highest-earning female player prior to Rodman’s new deal.
Trinity Rodman won Olympic gold with the United States at the 2024 Paris Games.
‘High Impact Player’ rule approved
Rodman, who was part of the US team that won gold at the 2024 Paris Olympics, had reached terms with the Spirit on a four-year contract late last year, but NWSL Commissioner Jessica Berman vetoed the deal, reportedly saying it violated the “spirit” of league salary rules. The NWSL Players Association filed a grievance on Rodman’s behalf.
In December, the league’s board of governors approved a new “High Impact Player” rule, allowing teams to spend up to $1 million beyond the salary cap on star players — provided they meet criteria including a marketability threshold and nomination for major awards.
The change is intended to help retain stars in the NWSL when faced with offers from clubs abroad, which are not subject to a salary cap. ESPN reported Rodman had received offers from England. The NWSL’s salary cap for 2026 has been set at $3.5 million.