Trinity Rodman, a standout forward for the United States women’s national soccer team, has inked a historic three-year contract with the Washington Spirit, securing her position as the world’s highest-paid female player and concluding a protracted period of uncertainty over her club future. The deal, announced on Thursday, is valued at over $2 million annually including bonuses, surpassing previous records and marking a significant milestone for women’s professional soccer in the United States.
The agreement comes after months of intense speculation and negotiation, during which Rodman’s previous contract expired in December 2025. Her agent, Mike Senkowski, confirmed that the new contract makes her the highest-paid women’s player globally, eclipsing the earnings of stars like Barcelona’s Aitana Bonmatí. This development is particularly notable as it follows the recent departure of several other top American talents to European clubs, highlighting the NWSL’s efforts to retain its marquee players.
Rodman’s decision to stay with the Spirit was influenced by the implementation of the NWSL’s new ‘High Impact Player Rule,’ which allows teams to spend up to $1 million above the league’s salary cap for players meeting specific star criteria. This rule was reportedly fast-tracked in response to the urgent need to keep Rodman in the league, after the Spirit’s initial creative contract offer was rejected by the NWSL commissioner for violating league guidelines.
The contract saga sparked significant controversy, leading the NWSL Players Association to file grievances against the league. One grievance addressed the league’s intervention in Rodman’s contract negotiations, while another challenged the legality of the High Impact Player Rule itself. Despite these disputes, the Spirit and Rodman proceeded with the deal, emphasizing their commitment to the agreement regardless of the ongoing legal challenges.
At a press conference in Los Angeles, Rodman expressed her excitement and gratitude, stating, ‘It feels amazing, I’m very happy, I’m very blessed. I think it’s a monumental and game-changing moment.’ She highlighted the importance of her decision for aspiring young female athletes in the U.S., especially with the 2026 World Cup being hosted domestically. Spirit owner Michele Kang echoed these sentiments, praising Rodman’s choice to remain despite lucrative offers from European clubs.
Rodman’s career with the Spirit began in 2021 when she was drafted second overall, and she quickly made an impact by helping the team win the NWSL championship in her rookie season. Her previous contract, a four-year deal worth $1.1 million, had set a league record at the time, but the new agreement far exceeds that, reflecting her growing stature in the sport. Her performance on the field, including 11 goals in 47 caps for the USWNT, has cemented her reputation as one of the game’s elite attackers.
The retention of Rodman is seen as a critical victory for the NWSL, which has faced challenges in keeping top talent due to financial constraints and competitive pressures from European leagues. The departures of players like Alyssa Thompson and Naomi Girma to Chelsea, along with Sam Coffey’s move to Manchester City, had raised concerns about the league’s ability to compete globally. Rodman’s record deal signals a potential shift, demonstrating that the NWSL can offer competitive salaries to its stars.
Looking ahead, the implementation of the High Impact Player Rule remains uncertain due to the pending grievances, but clubs are already navigating its implications. For the Spirit and Rodman, the focus now shifts to the upcoming NWSL season and the 2026 World Cup, where she is expected to play a key role for the USWNT. This contract not only secures Rodman’s future but also sets a new benchmark for women’s soccer salaries, potentially inspiring further growth and investment in the sport.
