The NWSL recently declined the Washington Spirit’s substantial contract proposal for star player Trinity Rodman, continuing a contentious negotiation regarding the player’s future. The Spirit intended to secure a four-year deal exceeding $1 million per year, but the NWSL Commissioner, Jessica Berman, rejected it on the grounds that it contradicted the league’s regulations, according to reports from Bloomberg.

The NWSL Players Association (NWSLPA) subsequently lodged a grievance against the league, asserting that the Spirit’s offer indeed aligned with the existing collective bargaining agreement (CBA) that governs player contracts until 2030.

In a statement, the NWSL expressed its commitment to retaining Rodman, emphasizing their goal of keeping the finest players in the league. “Our goal is to ensure that the very best players in the world, including Trinity, continue to call this league home,” they stated.

Rodman’s earlier contract with the Spirit ended after the 2025 season, rendering her a free agent. She joined the Spirit as a rookie in 2021, and throughout the year, the club has actively sought to re-sign her, despite concerns that they may be hindered by the NWSL’s salary cap restrictions.

The NWSL’s salary cap is set to be $3.1 million for the 2026 season, increasing to $5.1 million by 2030, although there’s a provision in the CBA permitting the league to raise the cap beyond scheduled increments, which, at present, does not seem imminent.

While the Spirit chose not to comment on the situation, the NWSLPA strongly stated that the Spirit’s offer is compliant with the CBA. They challenged the league’s rejection, aiming to uphold Rodman’s rights as a free agent.

Further complicating matters, Rodman has reportedly attracted interest from several clubs in both the U.S. and the English Women’s Super League, creating uncertainty about her next steps.