NWSL Blocks Washington Spirit’s Million‑Dollar Offer to Keep Trinity Rodman, Triggering Grievance and League-Wide Debate

Key Points

• The Washington Spirit attempted to sign Trinity Rodman to a four-year, multimillion‑dollar contract, but NWSL commissioner Jessica Berman rejected the deal.
• The proposed contract reportedly averaged over $1 million per year, designed to compete with offers from major European clubs.
• The NWSL Players Association has filed a grievance, arguing the offer did not violate league rules.
• Rodman is now a free agent, drawing interest from top European teams amid growing concerns about NWSL talent retention.
• Commissioner Berman insists the league is committed to keeping Rodman, saying, “We will fight for her.”

Spirit’s Record-Breaking Offer Blocked by NWSL

The Washington Spirit’s effort to retain star forward Trinity Rodman has sparked one of the most significant contract disputes in NWSL history. According to multiple sources, the club prepared a multimillion‑dollar, four-year deal that Rodman was ready to accept—until NWSL commissioner Jessica Berman vetoed the agreement.

The decision has ignited debate across the league, raising questions about salary rules, competitive balance, and the NWSL’s ability to keep its biggest stars.

Inside the Proposed Deal

Bloomberg first reported that the Spirit structured the offer with annual salary escalations, anticipating increased revenue from the league’s next media rights deal, set to expire in 2027.

While exact numbers were not disclosed, sources estimate the contract averaged more than $1 million per season, a figure designed to rival offers from elite European clubs aggressively pursuing Rodman.

Key Contract Figures

• Rodman’s previous deal: 4 years, $1.1 million (signed in 2022)
• Proposed new deal: 4 years, $1M+ annually
• 2026 team salary cap: $3.5 million
• Projected 2029 cap: $4.9 million
• NWSL max salary: No individual maximum exists under the CBA

The absence of a maximum salary has left many questioning why the league intervened.

Salary Cap Questions and Growing Tension

The blocked deal has intensified scrutiny of the NWSL’s salary cap structure. With no individual salary limit in the collective bargaining agreement, the league’s reasoning remains unclear.

The Spirit have declined to comment, but the NWSL Players Association has filed a formal grievance, arguing the contract complied with all league rules. Under NWSL policy, the league must respond within 14 days, after which the matter could move to arbitration.

Rodman’s Future: NWSL or Europe?

Now officially a free agent, Rodman has become one of the most sought‑after players in women’s soccer. Several top European clubs have already expressed interest, adding pressure on the NWSL as it faces a growing trend of star departures—including Naomi Girma and Alyssa Thompson.

The situation underscores a broader challenge: can the NWSL compete financially and structurally with Europe’s rapidly expanding women’s leagues?

Commissioner Berman Responds

Despite rejecting the Spirit’s offer, commissioner Jessica Berman insists the league is committed to keeping Rodman in the NWSL.

“We will fight for her,” Berman said, emphasizing Rodman’s importance to the league’s future.

Still, the path forward remains uncertain, and the dispute has become a defining storyline for the NWSL offseason.

What Happens Next?

The league’s response to the grievance—and any potential arbitration—will determine whether the Spirit can renegotiate or whether Rodman will pursue opportunities abroad. With the NWSL facing increasing competition from Europe, the outcome could set a precedent for how the league handles star‑level contracts moving forward.

Fans, analysts, and clubs across the league are watching closely as the situation unfolds.