Trinity Rodman has ended months of speculation by signing a record three-year contract with the Washington Spirit, keeping her in the NWSL through 2028. The deal, announced Thursday, makes her the league's highest-paid player at over $1 million annually, surpassing Sophia Wilson's recent contract.

The contract saga forced the NWSL to create a new High Impact Player rule, allowing teams to spend $1 million over the salary cap for star talent. This move was a direct response to prevent Rodman from leaving for European clubs, following the departures of Alyssa Thompson and Naomi Girma to Chelsea.

Rodman, who helped the Spirit win the 2021 championship as a rookie, called the deal "monumental." With the 2026 World Cup in the U.S., her decision to stay solidifies the NWSL's top talent ahead of a landmark year for the sport domestically.