Trinity Rodman Becomes World’s Highest-Paid Female Footballer After Record NWSL Deal

Trinity Rodman has become the highest-paid female footballer in the world after signing a new three-year contract with the Washington Spirit, her club confirmed.

The 23-year-old forward, who has been a free agent since her previous deal expired on 31 December, agreed to terms that will keep her at the Spirit until 2028. Her agent, Mike Senkowski, told ESPN the deal is worth $2 million a year including bonuses, making Rodman the top earner in women’s football.

Rodman, the daughter of former NBA star Dennis Rodman, expressed her excitement after the agreement was announced.

“It feels amazing. I’m very happy. I’m very blessed,” she said. “I think it’s a monumental and game-changing moment right now.”

Record Deal Shakes Up Women’s Football Wage Structure

Before Rodman’s new contract, Barcelona midfielder Aitana Bonmati, winner of the Ballon d’Or in 2023, 2024 and 2025, was reportedly the highest-paid female footballer.

The deal comes after the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) introduced a new “High Impact Player” rule in December, allowing teams to spend up to $1 million above the salary cap on players meeting specific criteria. The league’s salary cap for 2025 was set at $3.5 million per team.

Washington Spirit owner Michele Kang hailed Rodman as a “generational player” and said the contract reflects the club’s long-term ambitions.

“Trinity represents the future of this club and the future of women’s soccer,” Kang said.

Rodman’s Rise to the Top

Rodman was drafted by the Spirit in 2021 and immediately made an impact. She helped the club win the NWSL Championship in her debut season and was named NWSL Rookie of the Year.

Since making her international debut in 2022, she has earned 47 caps for the United States, scoring 11 goals. She also scored three goals at the 2024 Paris Olympics, where the US women’s team won gold.

Global Interest and League Competition

The future of Rodman had drawn attention from major European clubs, with Chelsea reportedly monitoring her situation closely. The NWSL and Washington Spirit had to navigate legal and financial challenges to retain one of the league’s brightest talents.

Women’s football is experiencing a rapid financial shift, with top leagues such as the English Women’s Super League (WSL) and Mexico’s Liga MX Femenil investing heavily in player transfers and wages. US billionaire owner Michele Kang’s investment in clubs including Lyon, Washington Spirit, and London City Lionesses is also reshaping the market.