Trinity Rodman Becomes Highest-Paid Female Footballer with New Three-Year Deal

Trinity Rodman has established herself as a pivotal player for Washington Spirit since her draft in 2021.

The United States forward has recently become the world’s highest-paid female footballer after inking a three-year contract with Washington Spirit, as confirmed by her agent.

At just 23 years old and the daughter of former NBA star Dennis Rodman, she had been a free agent following the expiration of her previous contract with the Spirit on December 31.

Her new deal, reportedly worth $2 million (£1.5 million) annually, including bonuses, secures her position with the Spirit until 2028. Her agent, Mike Senkowski, announced to ESPN that this agreement propels Rodman to the top of the earnings list for female footballers worldwide.

Rodman expressed her excitement, stating, “It feels amazing. I’m very happy. I’m very blessed. I think it’s a monumental and game-changing moment right now. I can’t even describe in words what it feels like.”

Prior to Rodman’s contract, Barcelona midfielder Aitana Bonmati, a three-time Ballon d’Or winner, held the title of the highest-earning female player.

In 2025, the salary cap for the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) was set at $3.5 million (£2.6 million) per team. However, a new ‘High Impact Player’ rule approved by the NWSL board of governors allows teams to exceed this cap by up to $1 million (£760,000) for select players.

“Trinity is a generational player, but more importantly, she represents the future of this club and the future of women’s soccer,” stated Michele Kang, the owner of Washington Spirit.

Rodman was instrumental in leading Spirit to victory in the NWSL Championship during her debut season in 2021, earning the title of NWSL Rookie of the Year. She has earned 47 caps for the USA, scoring 11 goals since her international debut in 2022, including three goals at the 2024 Paris Olympics, where the USA secured gold.

Dennis Rodman, her father, is a five-time NBA Champion with the Detroit Pistons and Chicago Bulls.

The future of Rodman attracted interest from several top European clubs, including Chelsea, who were poised to seize her if she did not reach an agreement with the NWSL.

The situation surrounding Rodman has been unprecedented, as the league and Washington Spirit navigated legal challenges to retain one of their most valuable players.

Despite being only 23, Rodman is not yet the best player in the world, but her potential is undeniable, and her departure would have been a considerable loss for the NWSL.

The league has already seen American stars Naomi Girma and Alyssa Thompson join Chelsea, while midfielder Sam Coffey made a notable move to Manchester City in January.

While the NWSL has long been a leader in women’s football, leagues such as the Women’s Super League (WSL) and Mexico’s Liga MX Femenil are increasingly investing in player transfers and salaries.

Barcelona currently boasts two players, Aitana Bonmati and Alexia Putellas, who have won the past five Ballon d’Or awards; however, the club is facing financial difficulties.

US billionaire and multi-club owner, Michele Kang, is making significant investments in her clubs – Lyon, Washington, and London City Lionesses – indicating that salary figures across the global women’s football landscape are likely to rise.