The Top 5 Highest Paid NWSL Players
Record-breaking salaries and deals were made during the NWSL offseason, drawing attention to the increasing contract amounts given to top players to play for top teams. From younger talent to seasoned veterans, let’s look at some of the highest-paid NWSL players.
1. Sophia Smith – >$2 million
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Most recently, 23-year-old Sophia Smith extended her contract to play for the Portland Thorns. Her initial contract expired in 2024, and her new contract extends to 2025, with an option for 2026. Although the club did not disclose the contract amount, multiple sources confirmed that the deal will make Smith the highest-paid athlete in the NWSL, according to ESPN.
2. Mallory Swanson – $2 million
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Mallory Swanson signed a blockbuster deal in January. The 25-year-old forward re-signed with the Red Stars through 2028, earning $400,000 annually. This puts her new deal near the $2 million mark. This is Swanson’s first season back from injury after she suffered a season-ending injury last year.
3. MarĂa SĂ¡nchez – $1.5 million
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The 28-year-old Mexico national team star set a record in December 2023 with an offer from Houston Dash of $1.5 million. MarĂa SĂ¡nchez played as a forward for Santa Clara University. She began her professional career with the Chicago Red Stars and then played professionally in Mexico. SĂ¡nchez is a valuable asset up top and is always reliable when needed most. It will be exciting to see what Sanchez does this season with the Dash.
4. Trinity Rodman – $1.1 million
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Rodman is currently a forward for the USWNT, who signed a $1.1 million contract to play four years with the Washington Spirit. We have seen Rodman grow immensely with the USWNT and gain confidence on the field. Washington Spirit selected Rodman at the age of 18. In her debut, she put a goal in the back of the net within five minutes of being subbed on. She has been a top scorer for the team and incredibly dangerous at the top of the field.
5. Crystal Dunn – >$1 million
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Dunn signed a $1 million contract to play for the Portland Thorns in 2014. The USWNT outside back was the first overall draft pick of that season. Dunn played three seasons with the Thorns, where she was a reliable and crucial defender. She left the team after the 2023 season when she signed with reigning NWSL champions Gotham FC. She reportedly had offers from the Orlando Pride and Washington Spirit, with the Pride’s deal rumored to be $400,000 a year. Her multi-year contract with Gotham FC is likely near or upwards of that number.
Featured image via @thornsfc
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