After months of speculation, Trinity Rodman is staying in DC. The Washington Spirit forward signed a historic three-year contract. Rodman is now the highest paid female professional soccer player in the world.
The new deal is worth more than $2 million annually, including bonuses, according to ESPN. It’s the biggest contract in league history. And it keeps the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) star in DC through 2028.
The record-breaking deal was possible because the NWSL’s board of governors approved the High Impact Player rule. This allows teams to spend up to $1 million over the $3.7 million salary cap on players who meet certain criteria.
“I’ve made the DMV my home and the Spirit my family, and I knew this was where I wanted to enter the next chapter of my career,” Rodman said in a press release. “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 Future of the Washington Spirit
“Trinity is a generational player, but more importantly, she represents the future of this club and the future of women’s soccer,” said Washington Spirit owner Michele Kang. “This agreement reflects our belief that elite talent deserves elite commitment.”
Rodman was selected by the Spirit as the second overall pick in the 2021 NWSL Draft. At 18, she was the youngest player ever drafted into the NWSL.
During the last five seasons, Rodman has won the 2021 NWSL Championship, NWSL Rookie of the Year, and an Olympic gold medal. The California native is a two-time Ballon d’Or Féminin finalist, a 2024 NWSL MVP finalist. She was also named one of Northern Virginia Magazine‘s 2025 Most Influential People.
Rodman and the Spirit hit the pitch for the 2026 season opener against the Portland Thorns FC on Friday, March 13 at 8 p.m. at Audi Field.
Feature image courtesy Washington Spirit
