NWSL Commissioner Vows to Retain Trinity Rodman Amid Offers from Abroad
SAN JOSE, Calif. — During her annual State of the League address on Thursday, NWSL commissioner Jessica Berman affirmed the league’s commitment to retaining forward Trinity Rodman of the Washington Spirit, emphasizing that the NWSL will actively work to keep her in the league.
“We are dedicated to having Trinity in our league, and we will fight for her,” Berman stated.
Reports from ESPN indicate that Rodman has attracted several offers from teams in England. A source familiar with the situation confirmed that she has also received an enticing offer from a team in the USL Super League, which surpasses the NWSL’s current salary capabilities.
The highest recorded annual salary in the NWSL belongs to Sophia Wilson of Portland Thorns FC, who signed her contract in March 2024.
Rodman shared with reporters that she will finalize her future plans following the NWSL Championship match against Gotham FC on Saturday. “Honestly, I haven’t made any decisions yet,” she mentioned. “While there may be discussions happening, my primary focus is on representing the Spirit. I’m not contemplating my last game; I just want to go out there and win.”
The interest in Rodman comes during broader discussions about the NWSL’s salary cap, which has raised concerns that top players might leave for better opportunities in leagues abroad, particularly in England and France.
This year, the NWSL increased the salary cap by $200,000 per team, bringing it to a total of $3.5 million. This follows gradual increases over the past four years, with Berman highlighting that the cap has nearly quadrupled during that time. However, while she indicated a desire to continue increasing the cap, she was vague about potential changes for the 2026 season.
“We do not see the NWSL as a charity,” Berman explained. “It operates like a business, and investments must align with revenue.” She noted the importance of considering various factors, including training facilities, stadium quality, and coaching, when assessing player compensation and the league’s overall ecosystem.
“We refer to the four Cs — competition, compensation, club infrastructure, and coaching — as critical elements for attracting and retaining top talent,” she added.
In response to Berman’s comments about the league’s determination to keep her, Rodman expressed her gratitude. “I appreciate her words, but I’m trying to focus on what’s important right now,” she said. “I started my journey in this league, and it’s developed me as a player. I’m truly honored by her support, but my priority is on the upcoming game.”
Kaylie Collins, the Spirit’s goalkeeper and a player representative with the NWSL Players Association, voiced her support for raising the salary cap. “To compete effectively, increasing the cap seems essential,” Collins stated. “With the league aspiring to be the best in the world, it’s crucial that we address this issue.”
Rodman has had limited playtime during the playoffs as she recovers from a knee injury sustained in an October match during the Concacaf W Champions Cup.
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