The Washington Spirit officially announced the signing of the USWNT star forward Trinity Rodman to a new three-year contract through the 2028 season at a press conference at Angel City FC’s home stadium
in Los Angeles, California.
“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,” said Rodman in a statement. “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.”
ESPN reported that the deal would make Rodman the highest paid women’s soccer player, and NWSL player in the world at over $1 million annually.
The signing comes amid two separate grievances filed by the NWSL surrounding the Rodman pursuit. The first was the league’s rejection of a contract approved by both the Washington Spirit and Rodman, but would see her earn above the salary cap beyond 2026. The NWSL believed it violated the spirit of the collective bargaining agreement.
Later the league introduced the High Impact Player rule, referred to as the HIP rule or Rodman rule, which would allow teams to sign high-profile players according to criteria set forth by the NWSL, which Rodman would qualify for.
Kang and Spirit President of Soccer Operations, Haley Carter, did not get into specific details during the press conference, but confirmed the HIP rule does factor into Rodman now being able to sign a contract with the Spirit,
“(Rodman’s) not just a soccer player, she’s the blueprint,” said Kang. “Her skill sharpens our competition, and her power magnifies our game. Her mark on soccer, on our game, really stretches well beyond the white lines. I can’t tell you how incredible this moment is for the entire Spirit, and she truly on-pitch and off it, literally lifted this club’s profile, our ambition, and our reach globally.”
The Spirit selected the Rodman in 2021 NWSL college draft and was the youngest player ever drafted at the time at only 18 years old. That season Rodman won the NWSL rookie of the year and gave the game-winning assist in the 2021 NWSL championship.
“(Rodman) is a generational player, but more importantly, she represents the future of this club and the future of women’s soccer,” said Michele Kang, owner of the Washington Spirit. “This agreement reflects our belief that elite talent deserves elite commitment. At the Spirit, we are building something enduring: a club that competes for championships every year, invests in excellence and creates an environment where world-class players can thrive long-term. Trinity choosing to continue her career in Washington is a powerful statement about what we are building here.”
The 23-year-old has scored 11 goals, given nine assists across 47 caps with the USWNT, and most notably was a major part of the gold medal winning squad in the 2024 Paris Olympics.
The club also will also reportedly sign Claudia Martínez, 18-year-old forward for the Paraguay Women’s National Team, following a top transfer fee of $950,000, among the top-ten of all time and among the highest ever for an 18-year-old player.
The Spirit ended the 2025 NWSL season as runner-ups in the NWSL championship against Gotham FC, and will begin their season on March 13, against the Portland Thorns.
