NWSL to fight to retain Trinity Rodman: Is the women’s soccer star leaving?

NWSL: Jessica Berman Secures Fight for Trinity Rodman

NWSL commissioner Jessica Berman stated that the league is willing to do everything necessary to retain Trinity Rodman, forward for the Washington Spirit and the United States Women’s National Team, in the competition.

We want Trinity in our league and we will fight for her.

Jessica Berman, NWSL Commissioner

According to reports, Rodman has received multiple offers from teams in England. In addition, a source close to the negotiations confirmed that the player also has a proposal from a team in the USL Super League, with an economic offer superior to what the NWSL can match. The highest known annual salary in the NWSL corresponds to Portland Thorns FC forward Sophia Wilson, signed in March 2024. Rodman stated that she will make a decision about her future after the NWSL Championship, where the Spirit will face Gotham FC.

Honestly, I haven’t made any decisions. There could be conversations, but right now I’m very excited to represent the Spirit. I’m not thinking about when my last game will be. I just want to win and then we’ll see.

Trinity Rodman, Forward for the Washington Spirit

The intention to sign Rodman comes amid a discussion about the increase in the NWSL salary cap. There is concern about the departure of some of the league’s best players to foreign clubs, especially in England and France. The NWSL increased the salary cap earlier this year by $200,000 per team, reaching a total of $3.5 million for each. This increase follows the increments in each of the last four seasons, with Berman highlighting that the cap has almost quadrupled in the last four years. Although he expressed his desire to increase the salary cap, he did not commit to doing so for the 2026 season.

We don’t believe the NWSL is a charity. We believe it’s a business, and to treat it like a business, it means that the amount our teams are investing has to have a rational relationship to revenue.

Jessica Berman, NWSL Commissioner

Berman also emphasized that compensation is only one factor in the players’ choice for the NWSL. The level of competition, the quality of the club’s infrastructure, including training facilities and stadiums, and the level of training are additional criteria that players consider along with salary. Rodman, after Berman’s comments, expressed his gratitude, but also his intention not to push the situation too hard.

I started and was recruited into this league. It has made me an incredible soccer player. It has given me a lot. I have learned a lot. This league has grown every year, so obviously, I feel honored that she says that.

Trinity Rodman, Forward for the Washington Spirit

Spirit goalkeeper Kaylie Collins, who is one of the player representatives in the NWSLPA, expressed her support for the salary cap increase.

I think personally and across the PA, we’ve really focused on the fact that to compete, that’s really the only option. I think we’re looking at a lot of things right now, where there’s obviously a lot of competition and I think the league has constantly said that we want to be the best league in the world, and for that, there’s really only one option. I think we’re seeing that this year.

Kaylie Collins, Washington Spirit goalkeeper

Rodman has played few minutes in the playoffs, as he is recovering from a knee injury suffered in a Concacaf W Champions Cup match in October.