The latest episode of The IX Sports Podcast features Kathleen Gier giving all the latest updates on Trinity Rodman, her new deal with the Washington Spirit and her return to the pitch for the United States Women’s National Team.
Rodman’s new deal with the Spirit is three years, and she will make over $2 million annually, according to ESPN, making her the highest-paid women’s soccer player in the world.
“There was so much focus on the money and the opportunity overseas, and whether the NWSL was going to be able to match that opportunity and that experience and that value,” Gier said. “But at the end of the day, she is a player who’s really passionate about this city that she was drafted into, about this program that she’s been a part of. She already has a title here, but clearly wants something more. And I think after the last two seasons, and especially kind of with her injury patterns, I’m sure there is a feeling of something unfinished here, and that makes a lot of sense.”
With Rodman back, the Spirit will try to make another run to the NWSL Championship, which they lost in 2025 to Gotham FC. Gier also discusses the Spirit’s other recent free agency moves later in the episode to go along with Rodman’s signing.
Gier then moved on to discussing Rodman’s and the Americans’ performance in their friendly against Paraguay on Saturday. Rodman returned to the starting lineup and scored a goal for the first time since April 25 in the United States’ 6-0 victory. She also wore the captain’s band for the first time in her national team career.
“What a great moment for Trinity in that game,” Gier said. “… It is wild to me that she was the most experienced player on the January roster. At 48 caps, she wore the captain’s armband, you know, well deserved, but again, just it seems like she’s still such a baby on this roster.”
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