Trinity Rodman's Contract Rejected: NWSL Outlines Compliance with CBA
The NWSL has declined the Washington Spirit's lucrative contract offer for Trinity Rodman, citing concerns about compliance with league rules, while the Players Association asserts the offer adheres to the collective bargaining agreement.
The NWSL has turned down the Washington Spirit’s offer for star player Trinity Rodman, amid discussions regarding her future within the league. The Spirit proposed a four-year deal exceeding $1 million per year, which was dismissed by NWSL Commissioner Jessica Berman, who stated that it was contrary to league rules. The NWSL Players Association (NWSLPA) has filed a grievance, arguing that the Spirit’s contract offer complies with the collective bargaining agreement (CBA) valid until 2030.
“Our goal is to ensure that the very best players in the world, including Trinity, continue to call this league home,” the NWSL noted in a statement.
Translation: “Nuestro objetivo es asegurar que las mejores jugadoras del mundo, incluida Trinity, sigan en esta liga.”
Rodman’s contract with the Spirit ended at the conclusion of the 2025 season, granting her free agency. Having been with the Spirit since her rookie year in 2021, the team aims to re-sign her but faces challenges due to the NWSL’s salary cap. The cap is set at $3.1 million for 2026, due to rise to $5.1 million by 2030, yet no adjustments to it beyond scheduled increments have been indicated.
The Spirit has opted not to comment on the rejection, while the NWSLPA argues that its offer follows the existing CBA.
“Trinity Rodman agreed to a compensation structure in good faith, allowing her to stay loyal to her first professional club … We will not permit the league to violate free agency rights of players,” stated the NWSLPA.
Translation: “Trinity Rodman acordó una estructura de compensación de buena fe que le permitiría mantenerse leal a su primer club profesional … No permitiremos que la liga viole los derechos de agencia libre de los jugadores.”
Berman expressed the league’s determination to keep Rodman before last month’s NWSL Championship.
“We will fight for her, as she represents the top players in the NWSL,” Berman commented.
Translation: “Lucharemos por ella, ya que representa a las mejores jugadoras de la NWSL.”
Despite interest from various clubs in England’s Women’s Super League and the USL Super League’s D.C. Power, Rodman remains undecided about her future following the Spirit’s unsuccessful title defense against Gotham FC.
