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Spirit Doing ‘Everything’ To Convince Trinity Rodman To Stay: Report

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Sean Hartnett | Last updated Dec 3, 2025 1:04 PM ET

Newly installed Washington Spirit president of soccer operations Haley Carter is vowing to do everything in her power to keep star forward Trinity Rodman at the one-time NWSL champion club.

Rodman has been linked to Chelsea and Arsenal of the Women's Super League. She has also received interest from the DC Power of the Gainbridge Super League.

Carter told ESPN that she is having hourly conversations with Rodman and her representatives in an effort to convince her to re-sign with the Spirit.

"There's conversations ongoing hourly," Carter said. "Trin is a top priority, not just for me, not just for Michele (Kang) and the Spirit, but for the entire league. Michele knows it, you know it, we know it.

"Michele's made it absolutely clear that we will do everything in our power to retain and keep Trin in a Spirit kit. We are actively working with the league on solutions that allow us to retain Trin, while obviously balancing that competitive piece. Trin is in asset; it's bigger than one team. This is about the NWSL's ability to keep its best players."

Was the NWSL Championship Defeat Rodman’s Final Game for the Spirit?

The Spirit lost the 2025 NWSL Championship to Gotham FC on November 22 at San Jose's PayPal Park.

Rodman came off the bench in the 57th minute and did not register a shot. The 23-year-old clearly lacked sharpness after a lengthy recovery from a sprained MCL.

She played for 33 minutes in the 1-0 defeat. Gotham midfielder Rose Lavelle won the match with an 80th-minute goal.

Trinity Rodman #2 of Washington Spirit reacts during the NWSL Championship 2025 final between Washington Spirit and NJ/NY Gotham FC at PayPal Park on November 22, 2025 in San Jose, California. (Photo by Eakin Howard/NWSL via Getty Images)Photo by Eakin Howard/NWSL via Getty Images

Rodman was not selected for the recent year-ending United States women's national team friendlies against Italy. Head coach Emma Hayes indicated that the matches came too soon for Rodman to be involved.

In a matter of weeks, Rodman's contract with the Spirit will expire. It's unclear whether the Spirit and the NWSL can come up with a solution that will allow her to continue playing in the premier women's professional soccer league in the United States.

NWSL clubs are limited by a $3.5 million salary cap per team for the 2026 season. The cap is projected to rise to $5.1 million in 2030.

Unless NWSL commissioner Jessica Berman suddenly unveils a new salary cap exemption, the Spirit won't be able to offer Rodman a contract that is competitive with the offers she is receiving from the Gainbridge Super League and clubs abroad.

Rodman will be out of contract at the end of the month. That said, it's likely that she will be making a decision about her future soon.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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