Jess Fishlock Commits to Seattle Reign FC for One More Year

omidbasir- Jess Fishlock, the esteemed midfielder for Seattle Reign FC, has recently concluded her international career with Wales after two decades, but her journey with the Reign is far from over. She has officially signed a one-year contract to remain with the club through the 2026 season, which will signify nearly 14 years in Seattle.

“Upon returning from the Euros, I felt a change within me,” Fishlock shared with ESPN. “My aspirations and direction shifted, yet my competitive spirit remains strong. It’s remarkable to think I’ve been here for 14 years, and my desire to bring a championship to Seattle has only intensified.”

Fishlock holds the distinction of being the only player in the NWSL to still be with her original team since the league’s inception in 2013. Longtime teammate Lauren Barnes also dedicated her career to the Reign from the beginning but announced her retirement at the end of the 2025 season after the team was eliminated in the quarterfinals against Orlando Pride.

In addition to Fishlock, only two other players from that inaugural season remain active: Chicago Stars goalkeeper Alyssa Naeher and Angel City forward Sydney Leroux. Naeher has yet to confirm her plans for the upcoming season and is out of contract, while Leroux took the 2025 season off for mental health reasons.

Fishlock was a key player during the Reign’s successful campaigns in 2014 and 2015, both of which resulted in NWSL Shield victories. She was honored as the NWSL MVP in 2021, making the Best XI seven times, and boasts an impressive record of 48 goals and 30 assists, the highest number of goal contributions in the club’s history.

As she approaches her 39th birthday in January, Fishlock led the Reign in scoring for the 2025 season with six goals and two assists. She expressed a renewed sense of joy at the start of the season, particularly with the influx of new young talent in the squad and the stability brought by new ownership.

“For me, it’s always been about maintaining my physical fitness,” Fishlock stated. “My tactical knowledge and experience on the field will always be present, but the key challenge is whether my body can keep up with my mind. So far, it has been able to do so.”

She acknowledged the support of the Reign organization, which has allowed her to manage her physical health effectively, a testament to the deep-rooted relationships she has cultivated in Seattle.

Fishlock highlighted that the one-year contract aligns perfectly with her desire to continually assess her physical capabilities as she progresses in her career.

“Jess possesses a level of understanding of the game that is unmatched, cultivated through years of top-level experience,” remarked Reign head coach Laura Harvey. “Her tactical awareness, adaptability in critical moments, and commitment to uplifting her teammates will be integral in driving our team forward. Her leadership is invaluable as we look ahead to 2026.”

Recently, Fishlock announced her retirement from international play following a historic run with Wales, reaching the final stage of the Women’s European Championship for the first time in 2025. She scored Wales’ inaugural goal in the tournament, becoming the oldest goalscorer in Women’s Euro history.

Despite the mixed emotions surrounding her retirement, she expressed excitement about dedicating herself solely to her club for the first time in her career.

Fishlock’s tenure with Seattle has been marked by both triumphs—three NWSL Shields—and challenges, including three losses in the championship finals. She has witnessed the team’s evolution, including relocations and changes in ownership and branding, all while striving to build a strong connection with the fan base.

Reflecting on her journey, Fishlock stated, “There’s a unique bond that forms through experiencing both the highs and lows with a single club. It amplifies the joy of victories and deepens the pain of defeats. My commitment to Seattle is rooted in this journey, and I have always wanted to build my career here, as it holds profound significance for me.”