Sophia Wilson, Trinity Rodman headline NWSL’s class of free agents - The Athletic

NWSL free agency has commenced, with notable players potentially moving in 2026. The league released its list of eligible players, headlined by Portland Thorns' Sophia Smith and Washington Spirit's Trinity Rodman. Other prominent free agents include Gotham's Midge Purce, Kansas City Current's Lo’Eau LaBonta, and North Carolina Courage's Casey Murphy.

This free agency period is expected to be chaotic due to two expansion teams—Boston Legacy and an unnamed Denver franchise—actively building rosters for their inaugural 2025 seasons. Smith and Rodman comprise two-thirds of the USWNT's "Triple Espresso" attacking trio that won Olympic gold in Paris. Smith is currently absent from play due to pregnancy, while Rodman is returning from a back injury that sidelined her since April.

The Washington Spirit have publicly emphasized their desire to retain Rodman, with owner Michele Kang calling it "important" amid speculation about a potential move to Europe. Rodman joined the Spirit as the second pick in the 2021 NWSL Draft and signed a reported $1.1 million extension in 2022, making her the league's highest-paid player at the time. Her three-year contract included an option for 2025.

Smith, who announced her pregnancy in March, boasts an extensive NWSL record including 2022 MVP honors during Portland's championship season, the 2023 Golden Boot with 11 goals, and being the sole American finalist for the 2023 Ballon d’Or Feminin. She scored 12 goals in 20 matches during 2024. Though currently inactive, her contract extends through 2025 with a player option for 2026. The Colorado native would be a strategic target for the Denver expansion team given their focus on local connections.

Players with contracts expiring after the 2025 season became free agents and can now negotiate with current or new clubs. Teams have been finalizing rosters, exemplified by Gotham's recent departures: Portuguese forward Jess Silva (agreed to a six-month winter contract elsewhere), defender Emerson Elgin, and goalkeeper Tyler McCamey.