A sold-out crowd of 19,365 at Audi Field was buzzing as the Washington Spirit went up 2–0 against the Portland Thorns in the NWSL semifinals. By the 89th minute, the noise grew even louder – not because the Spirit was closing in on a finals berth, but because Trinity Rodman stepped onto the field. Her appearance was brief, but it mattered. The USWNT forward was returning after being sidelined since October 15.

Her MCL sprain had kept her out. So when the final whistle blew, Spirit fans felt relieved to see both the scoreline and their star looking healthy—until Rodman’s post-game interview wiped those smiles away. “Once we get this championship, then I can start making decisions and figuring out what next year looks like for me.”

Decisions? Figuring out? About what?

For those who don’t know, Trinity Rodman’s contract with the Spirit expires in six weeks. Renewing it is already in the works, but it’s far from simple. The biggest hurdle? The NWSL salary cap.

It’s a rigid system, unique to American sports, designed to maintain competitive balance. And as much as the league would love to keep its brightest star, the cap limits how far they can go to retain her.

“The salary cap, which has increased significantly in the past five years, is a critical part of our competitive framework… Anyone can win any day,” an NWSL spokesperson told The Athletic. “The league is doing everything we can to keep Trinity in the NWSL. She’s an excellent player and an important part of our league.”

We hope so. But Rodman has hinted at leaving before—twice. Back in March, she told ESPN, “I’ve always thought about playing overseas at some point in my career.” She added, “I would kick myself if I retired and hadn’t done that.”

And now? It feels like she’s at the edge of a cliff. Either she steps back and stays in the NWSL, or she jumps toward a new challenge abroad.

If Trinity Rodman leaves, the NWSL will feel it

The salary cap rose from $2.75 million in 2024 to $3.3 million this season and will increase to $3.5 million in 2026. It may reach $5 million in a few years. But players won’t wait forever to earn what they believe they deserve – especially when overseas clubs can offer more right now.

So, where would Rodman go? Europe is the obvious answer. It offers both exposure and strong financial backing. Arsenal and Chelsea have already shown interest. Both clubs have successfully recruited from the NWSL, with the Gunners signing Jenna Nighswonger and Emily Fox, and Chelsea spending big on Naomi Girma ($1.1 million) and Alyssa Thompson ($1.3 million). For Rodman, clubs might break the bank – and the transfer record.

Washington Spirit owner Michele Kang, who also owns OL Lyon and London City Lionesses, has said she will do everything possible to keep Rodman in the NWSL. But she also encouraged players to stay open-minded – Europe to the U.S., and U.S. to Europe. Still, all signs point in one direction: Trinity Rodman’s NWSL future is uncertain, and a move abroad feels likely. Whether she renews her contract or begins a new chapter overseas will become clear only after this season ends.