Forward Trinity Rodman’s new three-year deal to stay with the Washington Spirit has ended months of speculation over the future of the Olympic gold medalist in the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL). It also broke the record for female footballer’s salary.
The Spirit announced the signing in a statement Thursday evening, calling it “one of the most significant contracts in the NWSL and worldwide women’s game, reflecting both Rodman’s elite status and the Spirit’s role as a global standard-bearer in women’s soccer.”
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However, the agreement was not without controversy. Outrage over Rodman’s future with the Spirit led to criticism of the NWSL salary cap and whether it hindered the league from attracting and retaining top players.
Al Jazeera Sport takes a look at the deal that split the game in the United States, but now sets a new bar for women’s soccer around the world.
How Rodman’s NWSL contract made headlines?
Rodman, 23, became a free agent at the end of last season after five years with the Spirit. One of the biggest stars in the NWSL, keeping her in the league was considered crucial as other US national team stars, including Naomi Girma and Alyssa Thompson, opted to play in Europe.
Having failed to agree a new deal, with her previous contract expiring on December 31, Rodman also attracted interest from European teams without the salary cap. Months of speculation ensued, with teams in England in particular leading the list of continental suitors willing to meet her wage demands.
What is Rodman’s new Washington Spirit deal worth?
Financial terms of Rodman’s contract were not disclosed.
However, it is understood that Rodman’s contract is worth more than $2m a year, including bonuses.
“Trinity is a generational player, but more importantly she represents the future of this club and the future of women’s soccer,” said Spirit owner Michelle Kang. “This agreement reflects our belief that elite talent deserves elite commitment.”
How Rodman’s Deal First Caused Court Dispute in NWSL?
Spirit and Rodman had previously agreed to a multi-year deal that kept both parties in compliance with the salary cap, but the league rejected it.
The NWSL’s salary cap for the 2026 season is $3.5m per team, which quickly brought Rodman’s salary into the spotlight, and the cap will rise each year until it reaches $5.1m in 2030.
NWSL Commissioner Jessica Berman, who vetoed the deal at the time, believed it violated the “spirit” of league salary rules.
Along with the initial rejection, the National Women’s Soccer League Players Association filed a complaint alleging that the NWSL’s rejection of the contract violated Rodman’s free agency rights and violated the collective bargaining agreement.
How was Rodman’s contract with the NWSL resolved?
To address the salary cap issue, the NWSL adopted a “high impact player” system in late December that allows teams to spend up to $1m over the cap to sign players who meet certain criteria. These include metrics such as minutes in the national team, inclusion in the 30 candidates for the Ballon d’Or or player rankings by outlets such as The Guardian or ESPN.
The NWSLPA filed a complaint over the rule, claiming it violated the collective bargaining agreement and federal labor law because it required player compensation to be negotiated. The NWSLPA said the league had no right to “unilaterally create a new wage structure”.
Spirit president of soccer operations Haley Carter said the contract Rodman ultimately agreed to included a high impact player rule. Carter said the complaints would not change Rodman’s contract.
What did Rodman and the Washington Spirit say about the deal?
“I think I’ve always had a vision and an idea of what I wanted my legacy to be,” Rodman said at an event Thursday evening in Los Angeles to announce her new contract. “And for me, we’re doing it and I’m grateful for that.”
For the Washington Spirit, losing Rodman was an unfortunate situation.
“I can’t think of the Washington Spirit without her,” Spirit owner Michelle Kang said of the new signing. “And I hope she can’t think about her career without the Washington Spirit. So it’s really memorable and not just for the Spirit, but especially for our fans who look forward to seeing her. They come to Audie Field and that’s where Rowdy Audie obviously came out.”
Was a move away from the NWSL a real possibility for Rodman?
“In making my decision, I was asked one question: ‘Do you feel like you’re done in spirit? Can you say that and think about leaving in faith?'” Rodman said.
“I didn’t even need half a second, and I was like, ‘No, I’m not. I don’t feel like making a different decision.’ Just, again, being drafted and evolving and maturing and learning – and failing – here in spirit, at DC, has become my legacy and my story. But on top of that, I feel like I have a lot more to give and a lot more to do.”
Is Trinity Rodman the Daughter of NBA Legend Dennis?
yes Rodman, whose Olympic gold was won with the United States at the 2024 Paris Games, is the daughter of former NBA star Dennis Rodman.
She was drafted in 2021 at the age of 18 and earned the Rookie of the Year award as the Spirit won their first NWSL title.
Rodman has 47 caps and 11 goals with the US national team, more than any other player on the latest roster. She played in just one U.S. game last year, a 2-0 win over Brazil in April, because of injuries.
Rodman is currently with the national team at their annual January training camp in Carson, California. The team will play Paraguay there on Saturday and then play Chile in Santa Barbara on Tuesday.