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Jeff Kassouf
Forward Sophia Wilson will be returning to Portland Thorns FC for the 2026 season after opting into her contract extension, the team announced on Wednesday.
The value of her option year is reported to be $1 million, marking a historic milestone as the first seven-figure contract year in NWSL history, as confirmed by sources to ESPN.
Sportico was the first to report the details of Wilson’s contract option.
Wilson, who won the NWSL championship and league MVP in 2022 and helped the United States secure a gold medal at the 2024 Olympics, was on maternity leave for the entirety of the 2025 NWSL season after welcoming her first child, Gianna, in early September.
“Returning to Portland holds deep significance for me as it’s where my professional journey began and where I’ve matured in so many ways,” Wilson stated.
“I have a strong affection for this city and the amazing people here. I can’t wait to reunite with my teammates, compete at Providence Park, and perform in front of the Riveters. It truly is the best place to play, and I am thrilled to be back.”
Wilson exercised her player option for 2026 under the contract she initially signed in early 2024.
That agreement made her the highest-paid player in the league on an annual basis, as confirmed by the Thorns, although the exact salary details were not disclosed by either the team or Wilson’s management.
Throughout 2025, there was much speculation surrounding Wilson’s future as the Thorns awaited the decision from the 25-year-old USWNT star.
The addition of Denver Summit FC as an expansion team in 2026 contributed to the uncertainty.
Wilson hails from Colorado, where Summit FC has additional allocation funds available as a new team, but she has spent her entire professional career in Portland. The Thorns made her the first overall pick in the 2020 NWSL Draft after she led Stanford to a NCAA championship in 2019. To date, she has scored 50 goals in 97 matches across all competitions.
“We are excited to have a world-class player like Sophia continue to make Portland her home,” stated Jeff Agoos, president and general manager of soccer operations for the Thorns.
“Sophia is a remarkable global talent who can dramatically impact the game. Her return will enhance our offensive lineup, solidifying our position as one of the most dynamic in the NWSL.”
Wilson quickly became an integral part of the USWNT, playing in the 2023 World Cup and scoring three goals during the 2024 Olympics, contributing to the team’s gold medal victory. Notably, she (formerly Smith) ranked fourth in the Ballon d’Or voting that year.
Wilson and her husband, Michael Wilson, a wide receiver for the Arizona Cardinals, revealed earlier this year that they’re expecting their first child. Despite Wilson’s absence, the Thorns managed to finish third in the standings and reached the semifinals this year, even while dealing with injuries to several key players.
In late November, the Thorns decided to part ways with head coach Rob Gale after his only full season in charge, and the search for a new coach is currently underway.
Wilson’s player option is exclusively for the 2026 season, meaning she will be eligible to engage with other teams as a prospective free agent starting July 1, 2026.
By that time, the landscape of her contract options as one of the NWSL’s top players may look significantly different compared to when she signed her current agreement.
ESPN reported recently that the NWSL’s board has approved a new “star player” rule allowing teams to spend up to $1 million over the salary cap on elite players who meet certain criteria.
This change could establish $1 million contracts as standard for the league’s top talents.
The NWSL board is currently convening in person, and further details about the implementation of this rule are still pending discussions with the NWSL Players Association.
Sources indicate that this proposed rule is a strategic move for the future of the NWSL, aimed at helping teams retain and recruit world-class talent.
However, the urgency surrounding this decision has increased due to the ongoing uncertainty about Washington Spirit forward Trinity Rodman, one of the key members of the “Triple Espresso” USWNT lineup from the 2024 Olympics, and the NWSL’s ability to compete financially with offers she may receive from European clubs.