United States forward Trinity Rodman has become the highest-paid women’s footballer in the world after signing a landmark three-year contract with National Women’s Soccer League side Washington Spirit, her agent has confirmed.
Rodman, 23, put pen to paper on a new deal reportedly worth $2 million per year, including performance-related bonuses, securing her future with the Spirit until 2028. The agreement comes after she became a free agent following the expiration of her previous contract on December 31.
Her agent, Mike Senkowski, told ESPN that the deal places Rodman at the top of the global women’s football earnings chart, marking a major financial milestone for the NWSL and the women’s game at large.
“It feels amazing. I’m very happy and blessed,” Rodman said after signing the contract. “This is a monumental, game-changing moment. I don’t even have the words to fully describe how it feels.”
Before Rodman’s new contract, Barcelona and Spain midfielder Aitana Bonmati, winner of the Ballon d’Or in 2023, 2024, and 2025, was widely regarded as the highest-earning female footballer.
The record deal was made possible by recent changes to NWSL regulations. For the 2025 season, the league’s team salary cap stood at $3.5 million. However, the NWSL board approved a High Impact Player rule in December, allowing clubs to exceed the cap by up to $1 million for players who meet specific performance and marketability criteria.
Washington Spirit owner Michele Kang described Rodman as central to the club’s long-term vision.
“Trinity is a generational talent, and more importantly, she represents the future of this club and women’s soccer,” Kang said.
Rodman has been a standout performer since joining the Spirit, playing a crucial role in their NWSL Championship triumph during her rookie season in 2021, when she was named Rookie of the Year. On the international stage, she has earned 47 caps for the United States, scoring 11 goals since her debut in 2022.
Read Also:
- Bournemouth sign midfielder Toth for £10.4m
- Man Utd contact Dortmund’s Kovac as successor to Amorim
- Ronaldo wins long-running legal dispute with Juventus
She also impressed at the 2024 Paris Olympics, scoring three goals as the USA secured the gold medal, further cementing her status as one of the brightest stars in women’s football.
Rodman is the daughter of NBA legend Dennis Rodman, who won five NBA championships with the Detroit Pistons and Chicago Bulls.
Interest in Rodman’s future had been intense, with several top European clubs monitoring her availability. Chelsea, one of the dominant forces in the English Women’s Super League, was among those reportedly prepared to move if Washington Spirit failed to retain her.
The situation was viewed as a defining test for the NWSL, which faced legal and structural challenges in its bid to keep one of its most valuable players. Losing Rodman on a free transfer would have been a significant setback for the league.
In recent seasons, the NWSL has seen prominent US players such as Naomi Girma and Alyssa Thompson move to Chelsea, while midfielder Sam Coffey completed a high-profile transfer to Manchester City in January.
Although the NWSL has long been a global leader in women’s football, increased investment by leagues such as the Women’s Super League and Mexico’s Liga MX Femenil has intensified competition for elite talent. Barcelona, meanwhile, currently boast two of the last five Ballon d’Or winners, with Bonmati leading the way.
At just 23, Rodman is widely seen as a player with the potential to become the best in the world. Her decision to stay in the United States, backed by a record-breaking contract, is being viewed as a major victory for Washington Spirit and a statement moment for the NWSL.
