Rodman, 23, widely regarded as one of the NWSL’s brightest stars and most recognizable American players, has attracted significant interest from European clubs since the summer. She has openly expressed her ambition to play abroad, telling ESPN’s Futbol W earlier this year that she “always thought about playing overseas at some point in my career,” adding that “it’s just a matter of when.”
However, efforts to retain Rodman within the Spirit or the NWSL have hit a roadblock due to the league’s salary cap restrictions. The NWSL currently enforces a $3.5 million salary cap per team for a roster of up to 26 players, limiting the financial flexibility of clubs to compete for top talent like Rodman. ESPN reported that Rodman’s agent has engaged directly with NWSL commissioner Jessica Berman to explore potential solutions, but no resolution has been reached.
The lure of playing in Europe’s top leagues, combined with the opportunity to compete in prestigious tournaments such as the UEFA Women’s Champions League, adds to the appeal of a move overseas.
Rodman’s situation underscores broader challenges facing the NWSL as it seeks to retain elite American players amid increasing competition from European leagues. The league’s salary cap, designed to promote competitive balance and financial sustainability, has inadvertently constrained its ability to match offers from wealthier foreign clubs.
As the clock ticks toward the expiration of her contract next month, Rodman’s next move remains uncertain. The semifinal win over Portland may serve as a poignant farewell to Spirit supporters if she opts to pursue her career abroad.
