Trinity Rodman Signs Largest NWSL Contract in History
At 19, Trinity Rodman Is Now the NWSL's Highest-Paid Player
Trinity Rodman is already leaving her mark on the NWSL, to the tune of a reportedly record-breaking, $1.1 million contract — which she's signing after just one year in the league, according to the "Washington Post". That one year, to be fair, was history-making in its own right. At 19, Rodman was named Rookie of the Year, became the youngest goal-scorer in NWSL history, and helped lead her team, the Washington Spirit, to its first NWSL championship.
Even with those accomplishments, there's a sense that Rodman is just scratching the surface of her potential, which is likely why the Spirit wanted to tie her down now. The three-year, million-dollar deal is reportedly the largest in NWSL history, and includes an option for a fourth season. "We're incredibly excited to have Trin as a part of the Spirit family for at least the next three seasons," said the Spirit's head coach, Kris Ward, in a statement on the team site. "She has a truly special career ahead of her and makes us a better club on all fronts."
Rodman's impressive year — in which she also earned U.S. Football's young player of the year award and her first senior national team call-up — came amid turmoil at her club. In September, Spirit head coach Richie Burke was fired following an investigation into allegations of harassment and a toxic work culture brought to light by former players. That would serve as the beginning of a wave of abuse allegations that would rock the league. The Spirit have also been subject to a drawn-out ownership battle and had to forfeit two games due to violation of COVID-19 protocols.
None of it seemed to faze Rodman's on-field play. "We got through it," Rodman told the "Washington Post" this week. "We built a sisterhood."
When you're used to NBA or NFL contracts in the eight- or nine-figure range, it's important to contextualize Rodman's payday. The minimum salary for an NWSL player, per the league's new collective bargaining agreement, is $35,000. (This, by the way, is a nearly 60 percent increase from years prior.) Rodman will earn $281,000 per year. It's quite a step up for a player just coming off her debut season, a No. 2 overall pick with a lot of hype and a famous last name, courtesy of her former NBA star father, Dennis Rodman.
Turns out, Trinity wouldn't be overshadowed for very long. With yet another record under her belt, now it's time to wait and see what she'll do next.
