Jess Fishlock Signs One-Year Contract Extension with Seattle Reign FC

omidbasir- Jess Fishlock, the esteemed midfielder for Seattle Reign FC, has recently announced her retirement from international football after two decades representing Wales. However, her journey in club football is far from over, as she has signed a new one-year contract to remain with the Reign for the 2026 season, marking nearly 14 years with the team in Seattle.

Reflecting on her return from the UEFA European Championship, Fishlock shared with ESPN, “When I came back from the Euros, I just felt a little different. Something had shifted, perhaps in what I wanted to do and where I wanted to go. I’m still a competitor at heart, and that drive will never fade. Even after 14 years, I remain committed to bringing a championship to Seattle.”

Notably, Fishlock is the only player in the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) who has remained with her original team since the league’s inception in 2013. Her longtime teammate, Lauren Barnes, also stayed with the Reign since 2013 but retired at the conclusion of the 2025 season, following a quarterfinal exit against the Orlando Pride.

Among players still active in the NWSL from that inaugural season, only Chicago Stars goalkeeper Alyssa Naeher and Angel City forward Sydney Leroux stand alongside Fishlock, both having played for multiple teams. Naeher is currently out of contract and has not publicly committed to another season, while Leroux took a mental health leave and did not play in 2025.

Fishlock has been pivotal to the Reign’s success, contributing significantly during their NWSL Shield victories in 2014 and 2015, and earning the NWSL MVP title in 2021. She has achieved the distinction of being named to the NWSL’s Best XI seven times, amassing a remarkable 48 goals and 30 assists, the highest goal contributions in the club’s history.

As she approaches her 39th birthday in January, Fishlock led the Reign in scoring in 2025 with six goals and two assists. Expressing her renewed joy at the beginning of the 2025 season, she mentioned the excitement of playing alongside a new generation of young talents and adapting to a club in transition under new ownership.

“For me, it’s always been about my body,” she noted. “My football knowledge and experience will always be there, but can my body keep pace with my mind? So far, it has.” Fishlock acknowledged that the Reign organization has supported her in managing her physical condition, allowing for rest when necessary—an essential aspect of her enduring connection with the club.

Coach Laura Harvey praised Fishlock’s unique understanding of the game, stating, “Jess sees the game at a level that very few players do, thanks to her extensive experience. Her tactical awareness and commitment to uplifting those around her are vital as we move forward into 2026.”

Last month, Fishlock announced her retirement from international play after leading Wales to the final stage of the Women’s European Championship for the first time in 2025, where she scored the team’s inaugural goal at the tournament, becoming the oldest goalscorer in Women’s Euro history. Although rejuvenated by this achievement, she is now eager to focus entirely on her club, a first in her illustrious career.

Throughout her time in Seattle, Fishlock has experienced both the peaks—three NWSL Shields—and the valleys—three losses in NWSL Championship matches. She has witnessed the team’s transitions, including changes in location, ownership, and branding, as it sought to establish a solid connection with its fan base.

This enduring relationship fuels Fishlock’s passion for the club. She explained, “There is something about journeying through this experience with a single club—navigating highs and lows, rebuilding, and striving to connect with the fan base. It heightens the significance of both triumphs and setbacks. Maybe it’s because I come from Europe, where stability is more prevalent. Since moving here, I’ve never wanted to leave—I aspire to build my entire career here due to the profound meaning it holds for me.”