Trinity Rodman's contract is ending soon. This shows big problems in the NWSL with player pay.
Trinity Rodman is 23 years old. She plays for the Washington Spirit and the U.S. Women's National Team. She has great skill and draws fans. Her contract ends in December. European teams offer her more money than NWSL teams can pay because of salary rules.
NWSL teams have a salary cap of 3.24 million EUR each year. The Spirit wanted to give Rodman over 924,000 EUR per year. The league said no because it broke the rules. The players' group filed a complaint. They say the cap stops players from earning what they should.
Clubs in Europe pay top players much more. Players like Alyssa Thompson have gone there. NWSL teams find it hard to match those offers. Europe has no such tight rules on pay.
Rodman's case matters for NWSL and U.S. women's soccer. If stars leave, the league may lose its top spot. Europe is getting better fields and coaches too.
The NWSL may allow extra pay for some top players. This is called the High Impact Player program. Teams could spend more on players who fit certain rules. It might help keep Rodman with the Spirit. But talks with her are still needed.
The league must answer the players' complaint by mid-December. If not fixed, it could go to a judge. Rodman can talk to other teams now. Europe waits with good deals.
