Trinity Rodman’s future in doubt after NWSL commissioner blocks record-breaking contract

The NWSL said it’d “fight” to retain superstar forward Trinity Rodman as speculation has swirled regarding her future in the league.

But league commissioner Jessica Berman reportedly rejected an unprecedented multi-million dollar deal that would’ve kept Rodman in the NWSL for years to come. 

Rodman, one of the world’s most sought-after free agents, was willing to accept the Spirit’s proposed four-year contract that would have paid her an average of more than $1 million per year before Berman stepped in and took the deal off the table because it violated league rules, according to multiple reports. 

The league’s players’ union has filed a grievance on Rodman’s behalf, The Athletic reported. 

Rodman is at the center of what could be a monumental moment in league history as the NWSL’s salary cap restraints could create the fear that star players could leave for better pay elsewhere.

Rodman reportedly has received several lucrative international offers from top European clubs, as well as an offer to play for DC Power, of the Gainbridge Super League, that would pay her a “significantly larger” salary than what the Spirit or NWSL can compete against under the current salary cap restrictions.

Some wondered whether the NWSL could adopt the MLS’ designated player rule, also known as the “Beckham Rule,” which allows clubs to sign up to three players to higher wages that wouldn’t go against the cap.

At last month’s press conference ahead of the NWSL Championship match, Berman didn’t seem to entertain the idea of softening the NWSL’s current hard cap, which was set at $3.5 million per club in 2025.

Asked about whether the current salary cap structure was an appropriate mechanism for the NWSL at this time, Rodman said, “It’s hard to say.”

“In women’s sports, there’s always this fight for equal pay, to get paid more for the work that we do,” Rodman continued.

“But again, I’m 23 years old. I’m not going to try to completely change the league and fix that. But at the same time, yeah, we’re always going to push and strive for more.”

Rodman knew she’d be having to make what she called “tough calls” this offseason regarding the next step in her professional career. 

That time has come, with plenty of suitors vying to sign Rodman.