Trinity Rodman’s future in women’s soccer took another sharp turn this week, as reports emerged that the NWSL blocked a record-setting contract that would have kept one of the sport’s biggest stars in the league long term.
Rodman, widely viewed as one of the most valuable players in the global game, was prepared to sign a new four-year agreement with the Washington Spirit that would have paid her more than $1 million per season on average, according to Bloomberg.
The deal would have been unprecedented within the NWSL. However, league commissioner Jessica Berman reportedly intervened before the contract could be finalized, ruling that the structure violated existing league rules.
The decision comes as speculation around Trinity Rodman has intensified, with clubs inside and outside the United States positioning themselves to land the 23-year-old forward. Despite public statements from the league about wanting to retain top talent, the rejected proposal highlights the limits imposed by the NWSL’s hard salary cap, set at $3.5 million per team for the 2025 season.
In response, the NWSL Players Association has filed a grievance on Rodman’s behalf. Rodman is also reportedly fielding lucrative offers from several elite European clubs, as well as domestic interest from DC Power of the Gainbridge Super League, which is believed to be offering a salary well beyond what NWSL teams can match.
The situation has also revived discussion around whether the NWSL should adopt a designated player system similar to Major League Soccer’s “Beckham Rule,” which allows teams to pay a small number of players outside the salary cap. Berman appeared to shut down that possibility last month, suggesting the league is not prepared to move away from its current cap structure.
Rodman addressed the broader issue ahead of the NWSL Championship, acknowledging both the complexity and the stakes.
“It’s hard to say,” she said when asked about the league’s pay model. “In women’s sports, there’s always this fight for equal pay, to get paid more for the work that we do.”
At the same time, Rodman made clear she understands the limitations of her position. “I’m 23 years old. I’m not going to try to completely change the league,” she added, “but at the same time, yeah, we’re always going to push and strive for more.”