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Jeff Kassouf
Multiple Authors
The 2026 NWSL season kicked off on Friday, marked by significant returns—not only of the league itself, expanding to 16 teams, but also of stars like Trinity Rodman, who faced an offseason of uncertainty, and Sophia Wilson, returning after maternity leave.
It had been 488 days since Wilson took the pitch for the Portland Thorns, while Rodman signed a historic contract with the Washington Spirit just 50 days prior to keep her in the league.
Portland’s Olivia Moultrie, an emerging talent, scored the only goal in Friday’s match, securing a surprising 1-0 victory at Audi Field in Washington, D.C. The return of these prominent players is pivotal for the league, which hopes to see their influence often this season.
NWSL commissioner Jessica Berman expressed optimism for 2026, indicating it could be another record-breaking year for the league. The aim is to deepen the league’s integration into broader sports culture, increasing attendance, viewership, sponsorships, and franchise values.
To achieve these goals, having star players is essential. This includes well-known athletes like Rodman and Wilson, as well as up-and-coming talents like Moultrie, who was recently called up to the USWNT.
Wilson made her comeback for the Thorns as a substitute in the 77th minute after giving birth in September. The 2022 NWSL MVP is known for her vibrant play, making her and Rodman exciting presences for fans.
Rodman started for the Spirit, logging a full 90 minutes despite facing a strong Portland defense. Although she had a challenging game, her presence on the field was more critical than her initial touches. With 29 matches left in the season, Friday was about her mere return.
Rodman hadn’t played at Audi Field since the 2025 NWSL semifinal, where she was limited due to injury. Speculation was rampant among fans about her future with the Spirit, especially since she was receiving lucrative offers from European clubs.
Negotiations over her contract led to challenges, including a grievance filed by the NWSL Players Association and the introduction of a new rule to allow star players to earn above the salary cap, resulting in her signing a world-record deal exceeding $2 million annually.
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Trinity Rodman: I want to help grow soccer in the U.S.
Trinity Rodman discusses her decision to extend her contract with the Washington Spirit.
Rodman’s return, alongside Wilson, marks a substantial victory for the NWSL. Wilson’s comeback, compounded by the anticipated return of Mallory Swanson to the Chicago Stars post-maternity, exemplifies the strength of the league’s collective bargaining agreement, allowing athletes to prioritize motherhood while ensuring job security.
“It’s amazing,” Rodman remarked post-match about Wilson. “Having her on the field, even as an opponent, is beneficial for the league and for her personally. To return so swiftly and maintain her skills is impressive; I’m really proud of her.”
Friday’s match represented a noticeable aspect that the NWSL needs to emphasize moving forward. While both teams struggled in the final third, with no shots on target in the first half, the significant crowd of 19,000-plus at the sold-out event provided a vibrant atmosphere as Rodman and Wilson showcased their talents.
The presence of Rodman and Wilson emphasied the NWSL’s commitment to star power. Additionally, Moultrie’s decisive goal reminded the league of the need for depth as it transitions through talent changes, especially following the departure of key U.S. internationals to England’s WSL.
Moultrie, who led the Thorns with eight goals last year while Wilson was out, aims to elevate her game further. She previously made her Thorns debut at age 15 and is eager to continue proving herself as a high-level competitor.
In summary, the NWSL aims to craft an exciting narrative of talent and entertainment. While Friday’s match was just the beginning of a long season for both teams, it was undoubtedly a positive step for the NWSL as it launches its 13th campaign.