Rodman ‘becomes highest-paid women’s footballer’

United States forward Trinity Rodman has become the world’s highest-paid female footballer after signing a three-year deal with Washington Spirit, according to her agent

The 23-year-old, daughter of former NBA star Dennis Rodman, has been a free agent since her previous deal with the Spirit expired on 31 December.

But her new deal, worth a reported $2m (£1.5m) a year including bonuses, will keep Rodman with Spirit until 2028.

Her agent, Mike Senkowski, told ESPN the deal will make Rodman the world’s highest-paid female footballer, although people that have seen the contract of Barcelona midfielder Aitana Bonmati dispute this.

“It feels amazing. I’m very happy. I’m very blessed,” Rodman said.

“I think it’s a monumental and game-changing moment right now. I can’t even describe in words what it feels like.”

Bonmati, winner of the Ballon d’Or in 2023, 2024 and 2025, was reportedly the highest-earning female player before this news.

Rodman’s agent claims this multi-million US dollar contract will make her the highest-paid female player in the world from 1 July when the new salary cap amendments in the National Women’s Super League (NWSL) come into force.

However, sources in Spain argue the highest amount Rodman could receive in line with these amendments, and the conversion to Euros, means Bonmati will remain the best-paid player.

In 2025, the salary cap for the NWSL (NWSL) was $3.5m (£2.6m) per team.

But the league’s board of governors approved a new ‘High Impact Player’ rule in December, which allowed teams to spend up to $1m (£760,000) over the cap on players that meet certain criteria.

“Trinity is a generational player, but more importantly she represents the future of this club and the future of women’s soccer,” said Washington Spirit owner Michele Kang.

Rodman helped Spirit win the NWSL Championship in her debut season in 2021 and was named the NWSL Rookie of the Year.

She has won 47 caps for the USA, scoring 11 goals since her debut in 2022.

She scored three goals at the 2024 Paris Olympics, where the USA won gold.

Dennis Rodman won five NBA Championships with the Detroit Pistons and Chicago Bulls.