NWSL Commissioner Commits to Keeping Trinity Rodman Amid International Interest

SAN JOSE, Calif. — NWSL Commissioner Jessica Berman announced on Thursday that the league is committed to retaining Washington Spirit forward Trinity Rodman, stating, “We want Trinity in our league and we will fight for her,” during her annual State of the League address.

Reports from ESPN indicate that Rodman has attracted multiple offers from clubs in England, alongside a substantial proposal from a team in the USL Super League that exceeds what the NWSL can provide. Currently, the highest known annual salary in the NWSL is held by Portland Thorns FC forward Sophia Wilson, who signed her contract in March 2024.

Rodman mentioned in a press conference on Thursday that she plans to make a decision regarding her future after the NWSL Championship, where the Spirit will face Gotham FC. “Genuinely speaking, I’ve made no decisions,” Rodman clarified. “There could be conversations happening, but right now I am so excited to be representing the Spirit. I’m not even thinking about when my last game will be. I just want to win it and then we’ll see.”

The efforts to secure Rodman’s presence in the league come amid ongoing discussions about increasing the NWSL salary cap, which has raised concerns about top players departing for clubs abroad, especially in England and France. Earlier this year, the NWSL increased the salary cap by $200,000 per team, bringing the total to $3.5 million, marking a significant increase over the past four seasons. Berman acknowledged the need for continued growth but remained noncommittal about further increases for the 2026 season.

“We do not believe the NWSL is a charity; we believe it is a business,” Berman emphasized. “The investments made by our teams must correlate with revenue. As we review the overall ecosystem and the value proposition for attracting top talent, we must consider investments in training facilities, stadiums, and player compensation in the context of our business landscape.”

Berman also highlighted that compensation is just one factor influencing players’ decisions to join the NWSL. The competitive environment, quality of club infrastructure, including training facilities and stadiums, as well as the caliber of coaching are crucial elements that players evaluate alongside salary.

“When we consider the four Cs — competition, compensation, club infrastructure, and coaching — we believe we are presenting a compelling value proposition to attract, retain, and develop top talent,” she stated.

In response to Berman’s commitment to her, Rodman expressed her appreciation but emphasized her focus on the immediate championship, stating, “I started and got drafted in this league. It has helped me become a better soccer player. This league has grown every year, so I’m honored to hear her say that, but I don’t want to feel pressured. I’m focused on this weekend.”

Additionally, Spirit goalkeeper Kaylie Collins, a player representative with the NWSL Players Association, voiced support for raising the salary cap. “From both a personal and collective standpoint, we believe that increasing the cap is the only way to compete effectively. The league has consistently stated its desire to be the best in the world, and achieving that requires substantial investment.”

Rodman has been limited in her playoff minutes as she continues her recovery from a knee injury sustained during the Concacaf W Champions Cup in October.