NWSL Pledges to…

SAN JOSE, Calif. — NWSL commissioner Jessica Berman stated on Thursday that the league is committed to retaining Washington Spirit and U.S. forward Trinity Rodman.

“We want Trinity in our league and we will fight for her,” Berman announced during her annual State of the League address.

According to a report by ESPN last Saturday, Rodman has received several enticing offers from clubs in England. A source close to the negotiations revealed that a team in the USL Super League has made a lucrative offer that exceeds what the NWSL can currently provide.

The highest reported annual salary in the NWSL belongs to Portland Thorns FC’s Sophia Wilson, who signed her contract in March 2024.

Rodman indicated on Thursday that she will make her decision after the NWSL Championship, where the Spirit face Gotham FC.

“To be honest, I haven’t made any decisions yet,” Rodman stated. “While there may be discussions happening, my focus is on representing the Spirit and winning this game. I’m not thinking about when my last game will be. I just want to win and then we’ll see.”

The effort to sign Rodman coincides with ongoing conversations regarding an increase in the NWSL salary cap. There are worries that the current cap is prompting top players to leave the NWSL for overseas clubs, particularly in England and France.

Earlier this year, the NWSL increased the salary cap by $200,000 per team, bringing the total to $3.5 million. This follows a pattern of annual increases over the past four years, with Berman highlighting that the cap has nearly quadrupled during that time. However, while she expressed a desire to raise the salary cap further, she was uncertain whether changes would occur for the 2026 season.

“We don’t consider the NWSL a charity,” she said. “It is a business, and thus our teams’ investments need to be aligned with the revenue they generate.”

“When we review the entire landscape and the value we provide to top talent and our players, we need to consider the investments in training facilities, stadiums, and player compensation within the context of our league’s current business status.”

Berman emphasized that while compensation is a significant factor, it is not the only reason players choose the NWSL. Aspects like the competitiveness of the league, quality of club infrastructure—including training facilities and stadiums—and coaching standards also play crucial roles in attracting players.

“When we refer to the four Cs—competition, compensation, club infrastructure, and coaching—we believe we present a compelling value proposition to attract, retain, and develop elite talent.”

Rodman reflected on Berman’s commitment to retaining her, expressing appreciation but added that she is trying to remain focused on the present.

“I started and was drafted in this league, helping to shape who I am as a player today,” Rodman shared. “This league has evolved annually, and I’m honored by her words.”

“I’m happy about that, but I don’t want to feel pressured, thinking that I’m ‘trapped’ or anything like that,” she added with a laugh. “For now, my priority is this weekend, and I will address my future later.”

Spirit goalkeeper Kaylie Collins, who serves as one of the team’s player representatives with the NWSLPA, voiced her support for raising the salary cap.

“Personally, and across the PA, we’re focused on the need to increase it to remain competitive,” Collins remarked. “The league has consistently stated its intent to be the best in the world, and elevating our cap is essential to achieving that.”

Rodman has played limited minutes in the playoffs as she recovers from a knee injury sustained during a Concacaf W Champions Cup match in October.