Trinity Rodman: Last match in NWSL? Uncertain future due to European offers

Trinity Rodman’s Future in Doubt: Last Home Game with the Washington Spirit?

The United States star forward, Trinity Rodman, faces an uncertain future with the Washington Spirit and in the NWSL. The player is considering more lucrative offers from abroad, which could mean that the recent NWSL semi-final match at Audi Field was her last home game with the Spirit. Rodman’s contract with Spirit ends next month, and since the summer he has been receiving proposals from European clubs. Rodman herself stated that she has always considered playing abroad at some point in her career, and that it’s only a matter of time. Negotiations to keep Rodman in Washington, or even in the NWSL, have stalled due to restrictions imposed by the league’s salary cap.

The salary cap, which has increased significantly in the last five years, is a crucial part of our competitive framework and one of the reasons why last weekend’s quarter-finals were so great. Anyone can win any day.

Statement from an NWSL spokesperson

The Spirit and other NWSL teams cannot financially compete for Rodman under current salary cap rules. Rodman’s agent has discussed potential solutions directly with NWSL Commissioner Jessica Berman. Rodman, 23, is possibly the most recognizable star in the NWSL and the most prominent American player. Rodman returned from a month-long injury from an MCL sprain as a substitute in Washington’s 2-0 semifinal victory against the Portland Thorns, securing their place in a second consecutive NWSL final.

The NWSL’s salary cap will gradually increase to $5.1 million by 2030 according to the terms of the collective bargaining agreement signed last year. The largest year-over-year increase, from 2026 to 2027, coincides with the elimination of team-provided housing and the expectation that players will be compensated more directly. The league could create a rule to pay outstanding players outside the salary cap, similar to the MLS Designated Player rule. However, there are no indications that this will happen soon. The NWSL has already lost another young American star, Alyssa Thompson, who was signed by Chelsea of England in September.

Commissioner Berman has pointed out the NWSL’s “value proposition” beyond salaries. “We are quite confident that the value proposition we offer to players is compelling and will continue to attract and retain top players,” she said.