How Trinity Rodman Became the Highest-Paid Player in Women’s Football
Trinity Rodman has secured her future in Washington — and in the process, she has reset the financial ceiling of women’s football.
A Landmark Contract in the NWSL
Trinity Rodman has signed a new three-year contract with Washington Spirit, a deal that makes her the highest-paid women’s footballer in the world, according to multiple media reports.
The agreement represents a major milestone for the NWSL, both financially and symbolically, as one of the league’s brightest stars commits her future while redefining the market value of elite players.
Record Salary and Long-Term Commitment
According to ESPN and The Athletic, Rodman will earn more than $2 million per year, placing her at the top of the global salary scale in women’s football. Her agent, Mike Senkowski, confirmed that the deal sets a new benchmark worldwide.
“I knew this was where I wanted to write the next chapter of my career,” Rodman said in a statement, signaling her long-term commitment to the Spirit and the league.
A Key Figure for Club and Country
At just 23 years old, Trinity Rodman has already built an impressive résumé. She won the NWSL title in 2021 with Washington and was named Rookie of the Year that same season.
Internationally, Rodman has earned 47 caps and scored 11 goals with the United States women’s national team, and she remains firmly focused on her next major objective: competing for Olympic gold in Paris 2024.
A Vision Shared by Ownership
Spirit owner Michele Kang highlighted Rodman’s importance beyond the pitch. “Trinity represents the future of the club and of women’s football,” Kang said.
Kang, who also serves as president of Olympique Lyonnais and OL Lyonnes in France, has been a driving force behind increased investment and long-term stability in the women’s game.
A Deal Made Possible by League Reform
Rodman’s record contract comes after a prolonged period of uncertainty tied to the NWSL salary cap, which has been in place since the league’s founding in 2012. Initial attempts to finalize an extension were delayed due to those restrictions.
In December, however, the league introduced a new “high-impact player” designation, allowing select star players to be exempt from the cap — a model similar to MLS’s Designated Player rule, first used to sign David Beckham in 2007.
A Defining Moment for the League
Beyond individual success, Rodman’s deal signals a broader shift within the NWSL. It reflects a league increasingly willing to invest in its top talent and compete financially on the global stage.
For Trinity Rodman, it is both validation and opportunity — a record-setting contract that positions her at the center of the sport’s next era.
