Trinity Rodman’s Future with Washington Spirit in Jeopardy Amid International Offers

Trinity Rodman, a forward for the United States Women’s National Team, finds her future with the Washington Spirit and the NWSL uncertain as she considers more lucrative offers from overseas. This situation raises the possibility that Saturday’s NWSL semifinal at Audi Field may be her final home game for the Spirit.

Rodman’s contract with the Spirit is set to expire next month, and since summer, she has attracted significant interest from European clubs. Earlier this year, she expressed to ESPN’s Futbol Wear her longstanding ambition to play abroad, stating, “I’ve always thought about playing overseas at some point in my career; it’s just a matter of when.”

Negotiations to retain Rodman in Washington—or in the NWSL altogether—have reached a standstill due to the league’s salary cap restrictions. As confirmed by sources close to ESPN, the Spirit and other NWSL teams are currently unable to match the financial offers being extended to Rodman from international clubs, particularly those in England, which are not bound by a salary cap and can therefore provide significantly higher salaries.

At present, the NWSL’s salary cap stands at $3.5 million per team for a roster of up to 26 players. Rodman, 23, is recognized as one of the league’s most prominent figures and a leading American player.

Recently, she made a notable return from a month-long absence due to a sprained MCL, contributing as a late substitute in Washington’s 2-0 semifinal victory over the Portland Thorns, allowing the team to advance to their second consecutive NWSL championship.

An NWSL spokesperson addressed the situation, stating, “The salary cap, which has increased significantly in the past five years, is a critical element of our competitive framework and one of the reasons for the excitement surrounding last weekend’s quarterfinals. We are committed to doing everything possible to retain Trinity in the NWSL; she is an exceptional player and a vital part of our league.”

Reports indicate that Rodman’s agent has communicated directly with NWSL Commissioner Jessica Berman regarding potential solutions to retain her within the league.

The salary cap is scheduled to increase gradually to $5.1 million by 2030, as outlined in the recent collective bargaining agreement. A significant increase is anticipated between 2026 and 2027, coinciding with the cessation of team-provided housing and a shift toward more direct player compensation.

While changes to the salary cap are possible through the collective bargaining agreement, any adjustments would require collaboration between the league and the NWSL Players Association. Berman hinted at the possibility of new rules that could allow marquee players to be compensated outside the salary cap, similar to Major League Soccer’s Designated Player rule.

However, sources confirm that discussions regarding the implementation of such a rule remain preliminary, requiring broad consensus from team owners who comprise the league’s Board of Governors.

The NWSL has already experienced the departure of another young star, Alyssa Thompson, who was acquired by Chelsea for a transfer fee of $1.4 million, alongside a substantially higher salary. Earlier this year, USWNT defender Naomi Girma also made headlines by leaving San Diego Wave FC for Chelsea in a historic $1 million transfer.

In response to inquiries about salary cap adjustments or new compensation rules, Berman reiterated her stance on the NWSL’s overall value proposition beyond salary considerations. She emphasized the league’s commitment to analyzing its ecosystem, including player inflows and outflows, and maintaining a focus on the holistic factors influencing players’ decision-making.

“While I understand the emphasis on the salary cap, the decision-making process for players is multifaceted, and we will continue to assess this landscape comprehensively,” Berman stated. “We are confident that the value we offer is compelling and will continue to attract and retain the best talent in the league.”