Trinity Rodman is set to stay with the Washington Spirit. The star forward for the U.S. Women’s National Team has signed a new three-year deal with the NWSL club, a decision announced at a Thursday event held at BMO Stadium in Los Angeles.
“She’s more than just a soccer player,” said Spirit owner Michelle Kang at the event. “She represents the future.”
While financial specifics weren’t revealed, it’s rumored that Rodman will become the league’s highest-paid player and surpass all female athletes globally in earnings. Her previous four-year contract, which was valued at $1.1 million, ended on December 31st.
“This is a transformative moment,” Rodman expressed at the gathering. “Words can’t capture how I feel. Everyone will have their views, but that doesn’t matter to me. I’ve always envisioned my legacy and what I want it to reflect.
“This is a chance for aspiring American girls, and I was once one of them. I’m truly thankful, especially with the World Cup on the horizon in the U.S.”
What’s Next for Rodman and the Spirit?
Rodman’s commitment signifies a major win for the Spirit, as she is the standout figure in the NWSL, and her appeal continues to expand. There has been notable interest from foreign clubs, and Rodman has shown interest in eventually playing overseas. This achievement is significant for all players involved.
However, there were complications that delayed this deal. The NWSL’s salary cap—set at $3.5 million for each team in 2025—made it difficult for the Spirit to match lucrative offers from international teams.
In November, the Spirit extended a competitive offer to Rodman, which the NWSL rejected. Consequently, the NWSL Players Association submitted a complaint on her behalf, claiming the league was breaching the collective bargaining agreement.
Ultimately, these events led to the NWSL’s Board of Governors approving a new High Impact Player Rule. This allows teams to exceed the salary cap by up to $1 million for qualifying players, effective July 1, though teams can utilize it now. Although not explicitly stated, this rule appears to have been introduced to retain Rodman in the league.
Kang confirmed that Rodman’s new contract falls under this rule.
“Our priority was to keep Torin in the NWSL,” Kang emphasized. “That focus was unwavering.”
Kang added that the Spirit is collaborating with the league to explore ways to retain Rodman for “more than a year.” Haley Carter, the Spirit’s director of soccer operations, mentioned the extensive efforts to ensure compliance with the new HIP regulations.
For Rodman, who has spent her entire professional career with the Spirit, the 23-year-old articulated the importance of the club and its supporters. Having contributed to the team winning the NWSL Championship in 2021 and being the runner-up for the last two years, her return significantly boosts their chances for future success.
Though she may eventually consider playing in Europe, now isn’t the right moment.
“I still have plenty to give,” Rodman stated.
What’s Next for the NWSL?
The league can now breathe easier.
Retaining Rodman is crucial for a league that has seen many prominent players depart recently. Stars like Alyssa Thompson and Naomi Girma have moved to Chelsea, while Emily Fox has transferred to Arsenal. Midfielder Sam Coffey recently signed with Manchester City.
However, the NWSL recently received positive news when U.S. national team captain Lindsay Heaps announced her return to the U.S. to play for her hometown expansion team, Denver Summit FC.
With these new regulations, there’s hope that more soccer stars might opt to remain in the U.S. or play in the NWSL rather than heading to Europe.
“This is a historic moment not just for the Spirit, but for the entire NWSL,” Kang remarked.
What’s Next for the U.S. National Team?
There are no changes on this front. The event was held in Los Angeles as Rodman is currently preparing with the national team for upcoming matches against Paraguay and Chile on January 24th and 27th, respectively.
Rodman faced injuries for much of 2025 and has not played for coach Emma Hayes’ team since scoring the decisive goal in a 2-0 victory against Brazil in April 2025. Nonetheless, she is healthy and focused on remaining fit, especially with the 2027 World Cup in Brazil nearing, alongside the qualifying rounds slated for later this year.
While her new contract is linked to the HIP Rule, which favors players with national team playing time, Hayes clarified that it did not influence her decisions.
Fan Take: This news is significant for soccer enthusiasts, as Rodman’s contract showcases the shifting dynamics within women’s soccer, emphasizing player retention in the U.S. league. Her continued presence not only elevates the NWSL’s profile but also serves as inspiration for future generations of female athletes.
