History has been made in the National Women's Soccer League. In a landmark move that redefines the financial landscape of women's sports, Trinity Rodman has signed a record-shattering three-year contract extension with the Washington Spirit. The deal, officially announced on Thursday, is reportedly worth over $2 million annually, making the 23-year-old USWNT forward the highest-paid female soccer player in history.
Rodman’s new agreement, which keeps her in Washington, D.C. through the 2028 season, ends months of speculation regarding her future. With her previous contract expiring on December 31, 2025, Rodman had entered the new year as a highly coveted free agent, drawing serious interest from top European clubs in England and France. Instead, she has chosen to stay stateside, securing a deal that not only eclipses previous NWSL record contracts but also sets a new global standard for player compensation.
Breaking Down the Historic $2 Million Deal
The financial terms of this extension are unprecedented. According to reports from ESPN and confirmed by sources close to the negotiations, the total value of the package exceeds $2 million per year when including bonuses. This figure catapults Rodman past international superstars like Aitana Bonmatí and Alexia Putellas, solidifying her status as the top earner in the sport.
"I think it's a monumental and game-changing moment right now," Rodman said at the press conference held at BMO Stadium in Los Angeles. "I can't even describe in words what it feels like. I've always had a vision of what I want my legacy to be, and for me, we're doing that."
This isn't the first time Rodman has reset the market. In 2022, following her dazzling Rookie of the Year campaign, she signed a $1.1 million extension that was then the richest in league history. Four years later, she has effectively doubled that valuation, a testament to her explosive growth on the field and her marketability off it.
The "Rodman Rule": How the NWSL Adapted
Retaining a talent of Rodman's caliber required the NWSL to evolve. The deal was made possible by the league's newly implemented "High Impact Player" rule—already being dubbed the "Rodman Rule" by insiders. This mechanism allows teams to exceed the 2026 salary cap (projected at roughly $3.7 million) for select players who meet specific criteria related to marketing value and on-field performance.
Without this regulatory shift, the Spirit would have struggled to compete with the uncapped spending power of European giants. The rule permits clubs to spend an additional $1 million above the cap for designated stars, a crucial lever that Spirit owner Michele Kang utilized to ensure her franchise cornerstone remained in the U.S.
Michele Kang's Vision for the Spirit
Michele Kang, the Spirit's majority owner, has been vocal about her ambition to build the premier women's sports organization globally. "Trinity is a generational player, but more importantly, she represents the future of this club and the future of women's soccer," Kang stated. "This agreement reflects our belief that elite talent deserves elite commitment."
A pivotal Moment for Women's Soccer in 2026
Rodman's decision to stay is a massive win for the NWSL as it enters the 2026 season. Losing the USWNT star to a European league would have been a significant blow to the league's prestige. Instead, the NWSL retains one of its most electrifying talents—a 2024 Olympic gold medalist and 2021 league champion—signaling that it remains the top destination for the world's best players.
The deal also sends a ripple effect through the USWNT transfer news cycle. It establishes a new benchmark for upcoming contract negotiations for other national team stars, potentially driving wages up across the board. As the 2026 season approaches, the focus now shifts to the pitch, where Rodman will look to lead the Spirit back to championship glory.
What's Next for Trinity Rodman?
With her future secured, Rodman can focus entirely on her game. The Washington Spirit will kick off their 2026 campaign on Friday, March 13, against the Portland Thorns at Audi Field. Fans will be eager to see if the world's highest-paid player can continue her dominant form and justify the historic investment.
"I've made the DMV my home and the Spirit my family," Rodman told reporters. "I wouldn't trade it for the world." For Spirit fans, the feeling is undoubtedly mutual.
