As 2026 begins, the drama of 2025 continues amid uncertainty over Trinity Rodman's future.
In the most recent USWNT squad announcement, Rodman's name appears to be “unattached” after her contract with Washington Spirit finished at the end of the season, so she is a free agent.
This was the first time in nine months she had appeared for the US women’s national team, after she missed all but one US match last year.
After five years with Spirit, the 23-year-old forward on New Year's Day became the most sought-after free agent in women’s football.
With the fear of losing another star to Europe, the NWSL last month voted to institute exemptions to the salary cap.
Officially, it's called the High-Impact Player Rule. Unofficially, it has been dubbed the Rodman rule.
This rule allows teams to both retain and bring the best players in the world to regain the league's status as a destination league for women’s football, something it's lacked in recent years.
It will effectively allow clubs to spend $1 million above their salary cap on the wages of the players in question.
It will not come into effect till July 2026. But these contacts can be issued before the date, making re-signing for the Rodman to Spirit plausible.
To be eligible as a High Impact Player (HIP), athletes must meet at least one of the eight-point sporting or commercial criteria, which are as follows:
- SportsPro Media Top 150 Most Marketable Athletes within the one year before the current league season
- Top 30 in Ballon d’Or voting in the two years before the current league season
- Top 40 of the Guardian Top 100 football players in the world in the two years prior
- Top 40 of ESPN FC's Top 50 football players in the world in the two years prior
- Top 11 minutes played for the U.S. in the prior two calendar years for field players for all competition types
- Top one minutes played for USWNT in the prior two calendar years for goalkeepers for all competition types
- NWSL MVP Finalist within the previous two league seasons
- End of Year NWSL Best XI First Team within the previous two league seasons
However, this has come under heavy scrutiny from the players' union for creating a two-tier market. They also argue that the mechanism requires collective bargaining. This is a long-overdue response in North America to losing major international stars to European Clubs.
Emma Hayes spoke on this, especially coming from England and working in a place where it's organised so much differently; sometimes it takes me a little bit longer to understand the implications of certain things. I know the NWSLPA and the league are trying to work through that, that criteria. … It's probably going to be a little bit longer until they resolve what that criteria is.”
While Rodman could still re-sign for the Washington Spirit, she could move abroad. With Europe being the next option, and this comes at the perfect time, with the January transfer window just opened.
US coach Emma Hayes was asked about Rodman's club career. She said they had not spoken much in the last few weeks, other than to organise transport for the next international break.
Chelsea are the current frontrunners, as the BBC reported, with several clubs tracking the Americans’ situation.
If she moves to the Blues, she will join her fellow international teammates, Alyssa Thompson, Naomi Girma, and Catarina Macario.
Almost guaranteed trophies and title challenges, while also competing in the UEFA Women’s Champions League, Chelsea is a viable option.
Another European outfit that could potentially be an option is OL Lyonnes. Despite being stacked with attacking talent, Rodman is a market opportunity that may be too good not pursue for the French giants.
OL Lyonnes, much like the Washington Spirit, are owned by Michele Kang. The U.S. entrepreneur is known for her heavy investment in her clubs. If the Spirit can’t retain Rodman, it wouldn’t be a surprise to see Kang try to secure her services for one of her other clubs.
Though the rumours are strong of a big move, the 23-year-old has previously shown a desire to stay stateside. It has been reported that the forward has already turned down offers from Europe before, which could indicate her preference.
If she strikes a deal abroad, Rodman would presumably withdraw from the US international friendlies, as the schedule would not match, as her new club would want her right away. If she renews with Spirit, she will be part of their preseason camp next month.
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