Overview
- The Spirit announced a three-year extension for Rodman that runs through the 2028 season after weeks of negotiations.
- Her agent and multiple outlets say she becomes the sport’s top earner, with reporting of more than $1 million in annual salary and totals surpassing $2 million per year when bonuses are included.
- Team executives said the deal uses the High Impact Player rule, which lets clubs exceed the salary cap by up to $1 million for select stars in a league with a reported $3.5 million team cap for 2026.
- The NWSL Players Association has active grievances contesting the HIP rule and the league’s earlier veto of a backloaded Rodman–Spirit agreement, with the disputes moving through the CBA grievance process.
- Rodman had interest from European clubs without salary caps, and her decision to stay is being framed as a retention win for the NWSL.