This Week in Women’s Soccer News
Check in to get the latest breaking news for professional US women’s soccer, including the NWSL, USWNT, and broader soccer community
January 13, 2026
Hayes Announces USWNT Roster for January Camp
Emma Hayes announced the 26-player roster that will represent the USWNT in the first camp of the year.
The initial 2026 team features players all within the NWSL, with the caveat of Trinity Rodman, who is currently “unattached” to any team due to the recent expiration of her contract with the Washington Spirit at the end of 2025.
The January camp roster includes
Goalkeepers (3): Claudia Dickey, Mandy McGlynn, Jordan Silkowitz
Defenders (8): Jordyn Bugg, Avery Patterson, Izzy Rodriguez, Tara Rudd (formerly McKeown), Emily Sams, Gisele Thompson, Kennedy Wesley, Kate Wiesner
Midfielders (8): Croix Bethune, Hal Hershfelt, Claire Hutton, Riley Jackson, Lo’eau LaBonta, Sally Menti, Sam Meza, Olivia Moultrie
Forwards (7): Maddie Dahlien, Jameese Joseph, Trinity Rodman, Yazmeen Ryan, Emma Sears, Ally Sentnor, Reilyn Turner
Fifteen players enter the January camp with five or fewer caps to their names, representing approximately 58 percent of the total roster. Of those fifteen players, five have not yet taken the pitch for the national team.
Four players received their first call-ups to the national stage: Dahlien, Jackson, Menti, and Turner.
“Once again, our roster presents opportunity, for the coaching staff to evaluate players and for some NWSL players we haven’t seen as much in the National Team environment, as well as for some first-time call-ups, to show they can contribute in 2026, 2027 or beyond,” said Hayes.
The January camp will include matches against Paraguay and Chile.
USWNT vs Paraguay
Saturday, January 24
3:30 PM MT
Dignity Health Sports Park in Carson, California
TNT, truTV, and HBO Max (English)
Universo and Peacock (Spanish)
Ceremony honoring Christen Press prior to kickoff
USWNT vs Chile
Tuesday, January 27
8 PM MT
Harder Stadium in Santa Barbara, California
TBS and HBO Max (English)
Universo and Peacock (Spanish)
Photo credit: Washington Spirit
US Soccer Releases 2026 SheBelieves Cup Participants
U.S. Soccer released the participants and dates for the 11th SheBelieves Cup competition.
The tournament will feature four teams from Concacaf and CONMEBOL slant, including the women’s national teams from the USA (USWNT), Argentina (La Albiceleste), Canada (CANWNT), and Colombia (Las Cafeteras).
“These are three teams that will likely be in the World Cup in 2027 and of course we’ll likely see Canada in World Cup qualifying at the end of the year, so when focusing on our continued preparations and growth as a team, the SheBelieves Cup is of great value,” said Emma Hayes, USWNT Head Coach.
“Each team brings different strengths and will challenge us to find success in all parts of the field, which is exactly what we need as we continue our process to build toward the big events on the horizon.”
This year’s SheBelieves Cup runs from March 1 through March 7.
2026 SheBelieves Cup Schedule:
CANWNT vs Colombia
Sunday, March 1
12 PM MT
GEODIS Park in Nashville, Tennessee
Television: truTV and HBO Max
Radio: Westwood One (English) and iFutbol de Primera (Spanish)
USWNT vs Argentina
Sunday, March 1
3 PM MT
GEODIS Park in Nashville, Tennessee
Television: TBS, TNT and/or truTV, HBO Max, Peacock,Telemundo and/or Universo
Radio: Westwood One (English) and iFutbol de Primera (Spanish)
Argentina vs Colombia
Wednesday, March 4
1:30 PM MT
ScottsMiracle-Gro Field in Columbus, Ohio
Television: truTV and HBO Max
Radio: Westwood One (English) and iFutbol de Primera (Spanish)
USWNT vs CANWNT
Wednesday, March 4
4:45 PM MT
ScottsMiracle-Gro Field in Columbus, Ohio
Television: TBS, TNT and/or truTV, HBO Max, Peacock,Telemundo and/or Universo
Radio: Westwood One (English) and iFutbol de Primera (Spanish)
CANWNT vs Argentina
Saturday, March 7
10:30 AM MT
Sports Illustrated Stadium in Harrison, New Jersey
Television: truTV and HBO Max
Radio: Westwood One (English) and iFutbol de Primera (Spanish)
USWNT vs Colombia
Saturday, March 7
1:30 PM MT
Sports Illustrated Stadium in Harrison, New Jersey
Television: TBS, TNT and/or truTV, HBO Max, Peacock,Telemundo and/or Universo
Radio: Westwood One (English) and iFutbol de Primera (Spanish)
Ceremony honoring Tobin Heath prior to kickoff
Photo credit: Kansas City Current
NWSL Contract Updates
Angel City FC
Defender Emily Sams traded from the Orlando Pride to Angel City FC in exchange for $650,000 in intraleague transfer funds to the Pride. Sams’ new contract places her in Angel City through 2028.
Defender Karsyn Cherry signed a three-year contract with Angel City, joining the NWSL from the University of Louisville.
Midfielder Carina Lageyre joins the league from Duke University with a three-year agreement in Los Angeles.
Midfielder Taylor Suarez signed a three-year deal with ACFC, leaving Florida State University after her sophomore year.
Bay FC
Defender Brooklyn Courtnall signed a new three-year agreement with the club to stay in the Bay Area through the 2028 season. Courtnall originally transferred to Bay FC from the North Carolina Courage in December after joining the team on loan in August.
Forward Alex Pfeiffer joins Bay FC on a three-year deal through the 2028 season. Pfeiffer most recently played with the Kansas City Current.
Chicago Stars FC
No new roster additions.
Houston Dash
Forward Kat Rader enters the NWSL from Duke University on a three-year agreement with the Houston Dash through the 2028 season.
Defender and Houston-native Leah Klenke joins the Dash from Notre Dame on a three-year contract through the 2028 season.
Kansas City Current
Forward Amelia White joins the NWSL from Penn State University on a two-year agreement with the Current through the 2027 season.
Forward Bia Zaneratto parted ways with the Current to enter free agency.
Goalkeeper Clare Gagne re-signed with Kansas City, agreeing to a one-year extension with the club through the 2026 season.
NJ/NY Gotham FC
Midfielder Savannah McCaskill joins Gotham on a trade from San Diego Wave FC in exchange for $175,000 in intraleague transfer funds paid to the Wave. McCaskill signed a one-year agreement with the club through the 2026 season.
Forward Andrea Kitahata enters the NWSL from Stanford University on a single-year agreement with Gotham through the 2026 season.
North Carolina Courage
Goalkeeper Kailen Sheridan signed a two-year contract with the Courage through the 2027 season after her recent departure from San Diego Wave FC.
Orlando Pride
Defender Hannah Anderson traded to the Pride from Chicago Stars FC in exchange for $70,000 in intraleague transfer funds paid to the Stars. Anderson signed a two-year contract with the Pride through the 2027 season.
Midfielder Grace Chanda and the Pride have parted ways on mutual agreement. Chanda was originally included in the Pride’s returning roster announcement in December.
Portland Thorns FC
Forward Maddie Padelski enters the league from the University of Alabama on a two-year contract with the Thorns through the 2027 season.
Defender Daiane is out on short-term loan to C.F. Monterrey Femenil in Liga MX Femenil in Mexico through July 16, 2026.
Racing Louisville FC
Forward Audrey McKeen signed a three-year agreement with Racing, placing her in Louisville through the 2028 season. The 17-year-old is the youngest player to join the club in its history.
Forward Taylor White joins Racing on a two-year agreement through the 2027 season. White enters the NWSL from West Virginia University.
Defender Mirann Gacioch joins the NWSL from Ohio State University on a single-year deal with Racing through the 2026 season with a mutual option for 2027.
Defender Quincy McMahon traded from San Diego Wave FC to Louisville in exchange for $25,000 in unfunded allocation money, $25,000 in funded allocation money, and one international roster spot for each of the 2026 and 2027 seasons for the Wave. McMahon’s initial contract with the Wave carries over to Racing, placing her with the club through the 2027 season.
San Diego Wave FC
Defender Nya Harrison re-signed with the Wave on a single-year agreement through the 2026 season.
Goalkeeper Leah Freeman signed a one-year contract with the Wave through the 2026 season. Freeman most recently played for Bay FC.
Forward Ludmila transferred from Chicago Stars FC to the Wave for an $800,000 transfer fee plus up to $200,000 in additional conditional transfer fees paid to the Stars. Ludmila signed a three-year agreement, placing her in San Diego through the 2028 season.
Seattle Reign FC
No new roster additions.
Utah Royals FC
Midfielder Narumi Miura traded to the Royals from the Washington Spirit in exchange for $180,000 in allocation money paid to the Spirit. Miura inked a two-year agreement with the Royals, placing her in Utah through the 2027 season with a mutual option for 2028.
Washington Spirit
Goalkeeper Kaylie Collins re-signed with the Spirit for a one-year agreement through the 2026
Photo credit: Chicago Stars FC
Photo credit: Adobe
2026 NWSL Expansion Teams
Boston Legacy FC
Forward Bianca St-Georges joins the Legacy on a three-year agreement after entering free agency after her most recent season with the Utah Royals FC.
Defender Nicki Hernandez signed a two-year contract with Boston. Hernandez most recently played for Liga MX Femenil side Club América in Mexico.
Defender Andressa Ferreira, who goes by Kaká, joins Boston on a two-year agreement with a club option to renew. Kaká joins the Legacy after playing for São Paulo in Brazil.
Defender Jorelyn Carabalí signed a two-year deal with Boston with a club option to renew. Carabalí moves to Boston on a permanent transfer from Brighton & Hove Albion FC in the Premier League.
Forward Fauzia Najjemba joins Boston on a two-year agreement with a mutual option to renew after playing for Dynamo Moscow in Russia.
Denver Summit FC
Midfielder Lindsey Heaps signed with the Summit through the 2029 season. Heaps, who captains the USWNT, will join the team in Denver in June after the end of her season with OL Lyonnes in France.
Defender Ayo Oke joins the Summit on a three-year agreement through the 2028 season. Oke comes to Denver through a transfer from CF Pachuca Femenil in Mexico’s Liga MX Femenil.
Forward Jasmine Aikey signed a two-year deal with Denver through the 2027 season with a mutual option for 2028. Aikey joins the NWSL after playing on the collegiate level at Stanford University.
Defender Janine Sonis traded from Racing Louisville FC to the Summit on a three-year contract through the 2028 season.
Midfielder Yuna McCormack enters the NWSL from Florida State University on a three-year agreement with Denver through the 2028 season.
Photo credit: Chicago Stars FC
Chicago Stars FC Announces Performance Center
The Chicago Stars FC announced a club-owned player performance center slated to open in 2027.
The club partnered with Populous and Marquee Development on the new facility, which will serve as the location for all team operations. Populous’s previous NWSL experience includes facilities with the Portland Thorns FC and Denver Summit FC.
Construction of the 10-acre site located in Bannockburn, IL, is targeted to begin in Spring 2026.
December 31, 2025
NWSL Enacts HIP Despite NWSLPA Opposition
The NWSL announced on December 23 that it would move forward with the High Impact Player (HIP) compensation mechanism, effective July 1, 2026, despite opposition from the NWSL Players Association (NWSLPA).
Per the new mechanism, each NWSL club may pay up to $1 million over its salary cap for a player deemed to be high impact, with the available payment increasing each year in line with the league’s salary cap.
“The High Impact Player Rule allows teams to invest strategically in top talent, strengthens our ability to retain star players, and demonstrates our commitment to building world-class rosters for fans across the league,” said NWSL Commissioner Jessica Berman in the league’s press release.
Teams will be able to sign high impact players immediately, so long as the terms of the agreement do not necessitate clubs to utilize the rule until the July effective date.
A high impact player is defined as a player who meets at least one of the following criteria (# indicates within how many years prior to the current NWSL season that the accomplishment must occur):
Named as a SportsPro Media Top 150 Most Marketable Athletes (1)
Selected in the Top 30 in Ballon d’Or voting (2)
Selected in the Top 40 of the Guardian Top 100 football players in the world (2)
Earned the top 11 minutes played for the USWNT for field players for all competitions (2 calendar years)
Earned the top one minutes played for the USWNT for goalkeepers for all competitions (2 calendar years)
Selected as NWSL MVP Finalist (2)
Named to the End of Year NWSL Best XI First Team (2)
The NWSLPA responded with a statement on social media.
“The NWSL Players Association opposes the league’s decision to move forward without bargaining over the high impact player rule,” said the NWSLPA.
“The league’s unilateral action leaves the NWSLPA no choice but to take action to enforce the rights of the players we represent.”
Numerous NWSL supporters’ groups across the league shared their support for the NWSLPA’s opposition, encouraging fans to
Block the NWSL’s accounts on social media
Boycott the NWSL shop, and
Notify their local teams of their opposition to the HIP rule
“The criteria for HIP status put forth by the league are arbitrary and unjust, largely leaving the earning potential of NWSL players in the hands of media members,” said the posted statement by a majority of active supporters’ groups.
“Moreover, the HIP rule creates two tiers of players, will impact USWNT player development, and does not account for international player success.”
The debate over a salary cap increase in the league stemmed from the NWSL's recent rejection of a proposed contract between the Washington Spirit and Trinity Rodman.
The NWSLPA filed a grievance on Rodman’s behalf, alleging that the proposed deal between Rodman and the Spirit was in line with the players' Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA).
Rodman’s current contract with the Spirit is set to expire December 31, 2025.
NWSL Contract Updates
Goalkeeper Kailen Sheridan agreed to mutually part ways with San Diego Wave FC, terminating her contract with the club. Sheridan joined the Wave for its inaugural season in 2022.
Defender Mimi Van Zanten signed a two-year agreement with the Wave through the 2027 season, with options for 2028 and 2029. Van Zanten joins the NWSL from Florida State University.
Midfielder Lia Godfrey joins the Wave from the University of Virginia. Godfrey signed through the 2027 season, with options for 2028 and 2029.
Midfielder Melanie Barcenas signed a new contract with San Diego, staying with the club through the 2026 season.
Defender Heather Gilchrist signed with Bay FC on a three-year contract through 2028. Gilchrist joins Bay after her four-year college career playing for Florida State University.
Midfielder Shae Harvey signed a three-year agreement with Portland Thorns FC through the 2028 season, joining the NWSL from Stanford University.
Forward Courtney Brown signed with the Utah Royals FC on a single-year agreement through the 2026 season. Brown most recently played for the Washington Spirit and recently entered free agency.
The Kansas City Current announced the departure of three players in late December:
Goalkeeper Tyler McCamey enters free agency at the expiration of her contract on December 31, 2025
Defender Regan Steigleder enters free agency at the expiration of her contract on December 31, 2025
Forward Alex Pfeiffer and the club have mutually terminated her contract
Forward Gianna Paul signed with the Current from the University of Alabama. Paul joins the Current on a three-year contract through the 2028 season, with a team option for 2029.
Forward Rachel Hill joins Racing Louisville FC on a two-year contract through the 2027 season. Hill recently entered free agency after two years with Bay FC.
Defender Michelle Alozie was traded to the Chicago Stars FC from the Houston Dash in exchange for $40,000 in allocation money to the Dash. Alozie signed a three-year agreement, placing her in Chicago through the end of the 2028 season.
Defender Gabby Carle signed a new agreement with the Washington Spirit through the 2029 season. Carle originally joined the Spirit in 2023.
Defender Lucia Di Guglielmo joins the Spirit on a three-year agreement through 2028, with a club option for 2029. Di Guglielmo most recently played at AS Roma of Serie A in Italy.
2026 NWSL Expansion Teams
Forward Amanda Allen signed a two-year agreement with Boston Legacy FC, with a club option to renew. Allen was most recently with the Orlando Pride and on loan with Halifax Tides FC in the Canadian Northern Super League.
Forward Sammy Smith signed with the Legacy on a two-year contract, joining the expansion team from Breiðablik in Iceland.
Rob Cohen, owner of Denver Summit FC, stated at a recent press conference that the club has signed 19 players to its inaugural roster. The club announced nine players so far.
Photo credit: Washington Spirit
Summit Stadium Approved at Santa Fe Yards
The Denver City Council approved Denver Summit FC’s proposal to move forward with a purpose-built stadium in Santa Fe Yards near downtown.
Concerns arose over the stadium's location after the council sought clarity on the allocation of funds for the project.
The new 14,500-seat stadium will be the first purpose-built professional women’s sports stadium in Colorado. It is expected to be ready for the 2028 NWSL season.
NWSL Hosts Inaugural Combines
The inaugural NWSL Combines took place in December, showcasing top players from the U13 to the U23 fields in a centralized forum for league scouting.
The event was divided into two groups:
The NWSL Combine for players U18 through U23, with a focus on collegiate and post-collegiate players to have direct engagement with NWSL teams
The Youth Combine for players U13 through U17, offering an avenue to identify young talent and prepare players for a transition to higher playing opportunities
This year’s event focused on highlighting participants’ speed, power, and movement efficiency.
Photo credit: San Diego Wave FC
Photo credit: Adobe
December 22, 2025
NWSLPA Counters High Impact Player Salary Proposal
The NWSL Players Association (NWSLPA) responded to the recent proposal confirmed by the NWSL’s Board of Governors that would allow teams to spend up to $1 million over the salary cap on a “High Impact Player” (HIP), with the association countering with a proposal to increase the player salary cap by $1 million across the league.
While the NWSL’s HIP mechanism targeted retaining commercially prominent players in the league, the NWSLPA’s response seeks to improve compensation options for all players, taking into account locker-room dynamics and market and team structures.
The debate over a salary cap increase in the league stemmed from the NWSL's recent rejection of a proposed contract between the Washington Spirit and Trinity Rodman.
The NWSLPA filed a grievance on Rodman’s behalf, alleging that the proposed deal between Rodman and the Spirit was in line with the players' Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA).
Photo credit: Washington Spirit
NWSL Contract Updates
Midfielder Jordan Fusco re-signed with San Diego Wave FC on a two-year agreement that places her with the club through the 2027 season. Fusco will play on loan to the Tampa Bay Sun Football Club in the USL Super League through June 8, 2026.
Forward Sophia Wilson exercised her player option to remain with Portland Thorns FC for the 2027 season. Wilson, who started her NWSL career with the Thorns in 2020, will return to the pitch in 2026 after being on maternity leave during the 2025 season.
The Kansas City Current announced three defender signings this past week:
Kolo Suliafu signed a one-year agreement with the club through the 2026 season. Suliafu joins the Current from the University of Washington.
Laney Rouse enters the NWSL from the University of Virginia on a one-year contract through the 2026 season.
Meila Brewer signed a three-year contract with the Current through the 2028 season. The 16-year-old US Youth National Team player will be one of the youngest players in the league.
Forward Nádia Gomes re-signed with Chicago Stars FC. Gomes signed a single-year agreement with the Stars through the 2026 season.
2026 NWSL Expansion Teams
Defender Carson Pickett signed a multi-year deal with Denver Summit FC through the 2027 season. Pickett most recently played for the Orlando Pride.
Boston Legacy FC announced two new player signings this week:
Goalkeeper Laurel Ivory joins the Legacy from the Kansas City Current on a two-year contract.
Forward Ella Stevens signed a two-year agreement with a mutual option for renewal. Stevens joins Boston from NJ/NY Gotham FC.
Coachella Valley Invitational Releases Schedule
The Coachella Valley Invitational (CVI) released the schedule for its upcoming competition in February 2026.
Participating NWSL teams will play on February 15, with the majority of teams playing again on February 21.
The eight NWSL clubs playing in the event include
Angel City FC
Bay FC
Denver Summit FC
Houston Dash
Portland Thorns FC
San Diego Wave FC
Seattle Reign FC
Utah Royals FC
Denver’s match on February 15 against the Royals will mark the expansion team's first competition.
FIFA Women’s Club World Cup 2028 Dates Announced
FIFA announced the inaugural Women’s Club World Cup to be played from January 5 through January 30 in 2028.
The 16-team tournament will be structured into a group stage with four groups, followed by knockout stages starting with the quarterfinal matches.
Clubs competing in the inaugural cup will include five teams from Europe and two teams each from Asia, Africa, Concacaf, South America, and Oceania.
The association has not yet announced which country will host the competition.
Photo credit: Adobe
Photo credit: Angel City FC
December 15, 2025
NWSL Approves High Impact Player Salaries
The NWSL approved a new “High Impact Player” (HIP) mechanism that would allow the league to compensate select players above the existing salary cap, according to reporting by ESPN.
The new proposal would allow teams to spend up to $1 million over the salary cap on an HIP and only sustain a fragment of that player’s salary in allocation against the team’s cap.
A player is deemed an HIP if they meet specific sporting and commercial benchmark requirements, potentially including minutes played with the USWNT, nominations for the Ballon d'Or, and being named to the NWSL Best XI.
The decision comes after the NWSL denied the Washington Spirit's offer to retain Trinity Rodman in the league.
The NWSL Players Association (NWSLPA), which filed a grievance with the NWSL on Rodman’s behalf earlier this month, still needs to consult on the HIP resolution.
Photo credit: Washington Spirit
USWNT Face Chile in January
US Soccer announced the USWNT will face Chile at the end of its first training camp of the year on January 27 at Harder Stadium in Santa Barbara, California.
The match is the second of two for the camp, with the US competing against Paraguay on January 24.
“This is the start of an important year for our team and as always, we’re focused on maximizing every minute we get with the players,” said Emma Hayes, USWNT Head Coach.
The camp will start on January 17 and end with the match against Chile.
USWNT vs Paraguay
Saturday, January 24
3:30 PM MT
Dignity Health Sports Park in Carson, California
TNT, truTV and HBO Max (English)
Universo and Peacock (Spanish)
USWNT vs Chile
Tuesday, January 27
8 PM MT
Harder Stadium in Santa Barbara, California
TBS and HBO Max (English)
Universo and Peacock (Spanish)
NWSL Contract Updates
More teams announced end-of-year roster decisions.
Angel City FC
No reported updates.
San Diego Wave FC
Returning roster:
Goalkeepers (1): Kailen Sheridan
Defenders (7): Daniela Arias, Trinity Armstrong (SEI), Sintia Cabezas (on loan to Liga F club Levante UD), Kristen McNabb, Quincy McMahon, Perle Morroni, Kennedy Wesley
Midfielders (6): Kimmi Ascanio, Gia Corley, Kenza Dali, Laurina Fazer, Savannah McCaskill (SEI)
Forwards (4): Trinity Byars, Delphine Cascarin, Dudinha, Adriana Leon
SEI = Season-Ending Injury
Contracts expired and in free agency:
Goalkeepers: Hillary Beall (signed with the Houston Dash), DiDi Haračić
Defenders: Nya Harrison, Hanna Lundkvist
Midfielder: Jordan Fusco
Forwards: Melanie Barcenas, Kyra Carusa, Mya Jones, Chiamaka Okwuchukwu, Makenzy Robbe
The club reports it is in discussions with the following players for the 2026 season: Melanie Barcenas, Nya Harrison, Jordan Fusco, DiDi Haračić, and Hanna Lundkvist.
Bay FC
Returning roster:
Goalkeepers (2): Emmie Allen, Jordan Silkowitz
Defenders (8): Joelle Anderson, Sydney Collins, Abby Dahlkemper (ML), Caprice Dydasco, Kelli Hubly, Alyssa Malonson, Emily Menges (ML), Maddie Moreau
Midfielders (6): Dorian Bailey, Hannah Bebar, Tess Boade, Caroline Conti, Taylor Huff, Jamie Shepherd
Forwards (4): Onyeka Gamero (SEI – knee), Penelope Hocking, Racheal Kundananji, Karlie Lema
SEI = Season-Ending Injury
ML = Maternity Leave
Defender Brooklyn Courtnall signed with Bay FC after playing on loan with the club from the North Carolina Courage in the middle of the 2025 season.
Contracts expired and in free agency:
Goalkeepers: Leah Freeman, Melissa Lowder
Defenders: Jordan Brewster, Kiki Pickett
Midfielder: Catherine Paulson
Forward: Rachel Hill
Seattle Reign FC
Returning roster:
Goalkeepers (4): Claudia Dickey, Cassie Miller (SEI), Maddie Prohaska, Neeku Purcell
Defenders (7): Ryanne Brown, Jordyn Bugg, Madison Curry, Shae Holmes, Sofia Huerta, Emily Mason, Phoebe McClernon
Midfielders (6): Jess Fishlock, Angharad James-Turner, Ainsley McCammon, Sally Menti, Maddie Mercado, Sam Meza
Forwards (6): Emeri Adames, Lynn Biyendolo (ML), Maddie Dahlien, Mia Fishel, Jordyn Huitema, Nérilia Mondesir
SEI = Season-Ending Injury
ML = Maternity Leave
Midfielder Sofia Cedeno signed a three-year contract with Seattle through the 2028 season. Cedeno was previously a preseason trialist with the Reign in 2025.
The Reign also signed a new contract with goalkeeper Neeku Purcell through the 2026 season.
Contracts set to expire and move into free agency:
Defenders: Julia Lester (on loan to Sporting JAX in the USL Super League)
Midfielder: Ji So-Yun (on loan to Birmingham City in the WSL 2), Mikayla Cluff, Olivia Van der Jagt (contract mutually terminated)
Forward: Ana-Maria Crnogorčević
Utah Royals FC
Forward Aisha Solórzano and the club mutually terminated her contract.
Goalkeeper DeAira Jackson and midfielder Aria Nagai signed new contracts with the Royals. Both Jackson’s and Nagai’s contracts were salary cap-exempt for the 2026 NWSL season.
Houston Dash
Defender Katie Lind announced her retirement from professional soccer, marking the end to her 10-year career.
Forward Evelina Duljan signed a new agreement with the Dash through the 2026 season with a team option for 2027.
Kansas City Current
Midfielder Rocky Rodríguez signed a contract extension with the Kansas City Current through the 2026 season with a mutual option for 2027.
Goalkeeper Marisa Jordan joins the Current in a trade from the North Carolina Courage. Jordan’s contract places her with the Current through 2027.
Racing Louisville FC
Defender Lauren Milliet re-signed with Louisville through 2027 with an option for 2028.
Midfielder Avery Kalitta is returning to Racing with a new agreement placing her with the club through the 2026 season.
North Carolina Courage
Forward Lauryn Thompson signed a four-year agreement with the Courage through the 2029 season.
Goalkeeper Madison ‘Madi’ White signed a three-year contract with North Carolina, placing her with the club through the 2028 season.
Forward Chioma Okafor signed a three-year agreement through the 2028 season with the Courage, with a club option for 2029.
Chicago Stars FC
Goalkeeper and captain Alyssa Naeher re-signed with the Stars through the 2026 season.
Defender Katie Lund signed a three-year contract with the Stars, placing her with the club through the 2028 season.
Orlando Pride
No reported updates.
Washington Spirit
No reported updates.
NJ/NY Gotham FC
NWSL rookie and forward Talia Sommer signed with Gotham through the 2026 season.
Forward Midge Purce signed a new one-year agreement with Gotham, keeping her with the team through the 2026 season.
NWSL 2026 Expansion Teams
Denver Summit FC
Midfielder Jordan Baggett signed a single-year contract with the Summit through the 2026 season.
Defender Camryn Biegalski agreed to a one-year deal through the 2026 season with a mutual option for 2027.
Boston Legacy FC
Goalkeeper Casey Murphy contracted with the Legacy on a four-year agreement through the 2029 season with a mutual option for 2030.
Photo credit: Adobe
Photo credit: NJ/NY Gotham FC
Photo credit: Washington Spirit
December 8, 2025
NWSL Denies Rodman Offer
The NWSL denied the Washington Spirit’s proposed deal to retain Trinity Rodman after rumors that the USWNT player is looking overseas.
The Spirit moved to offer Rodman a four-year contract structured on a sliding scale that is valued at over $1 million annually on average, according to reporting by Bloomberg and The Athletic.
The NWSL rejected the deal.
“When we (...) pressed (...) the league office for a response (...) as to the reasoning why they would reject it, as to which rule it violated, (...) the answer is (...) there isn’t any rule that it violated,” said Rodman’s agent, Mike Senkowski, in an interview with CBS Mornings.
“It’s against the spirit of the rules.”
The NWSL Players Association (NWSLPA) responded by filing a grievance against the league, arguing that the deal adheres to the Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) between the NWSL and the NWSLPA.
There is no player-specific salary limit in the CBA, though there is a salary cap for teams as a whole.
Photo credit: Angel City FC
Wave Wins World Sevens
San Diego Wave FC won the World Sevens Football (W7F) tournament and a $2 million prize.
The Wave advanced undefeated through the tournament and claimed its final victory over Tigres from Mexico, defeating former teammate Maria Sánchez in the final.
NWSL Roster Decisions
NWSL clubs released roster decisions after the end of the 2025 season.
Angel City FC
Returning roster:
Goalkeepers (2): Angelina Anderson, Hannah Seabert
Defenders (6): Sara Doorsoun, Sarah Gorden, Savy King, Sophia Mattice, Evelyn Shores, Gisele Thompson
Midfielders (7): Jun Endo, Kennedy Fuller, Macey Hodge, Nealy Martin, Lily Nabet (on loan with Gainbridge USL Super League Team Fort Lauderdale United FC), Maiara Niehues, Hina Sugita
Forwards (7): Prisca Chilufya, Claire Emslie, Sveindís Jónsdóttir, Sydney Leroux, Maithe Lopez, Casey Phair (on loan with Djurgårdens IF), Riley Tiernan
Martin extended her contract with Angel City through the end of the 2027 season, adding a one-year extension to her previous agreement.
Contracts expired and in free agency:
Goalkeeper: Hannah Stambaugh
Defenders: Elizabeth Eddy, Miyabi Moriya (signed with Utah Royals FC), Megan Reid (signed with Denver Summit FC)
Midfielder: Madison Hammond (signed with Utah Royals FC)
San Diego Wave FC
No reported updates.
Bay FC
No reported updates.
Portland Thorns FC
Returning roster:
Goalkeepers (3): Mackenzie Arnold, Bella Bixby, Morgan Messner
Defenders (8): Daiane, Sam Hiatt, Mallie McKenzie, Isabella Obaze, Jayden Perry, Reyna Reyes, M.A. Vignola, Marie Müller (SEI)
Midfielders (4): Deyna Castellanos, Sam Coffey, Jessie Fleming, Olivia Moultrie
Forwards (8): Mimi Alidou, Valerin Loboa, Alexa Spaanstra, Pietra Tordin, Reilyn Turner; Julie Dufour (SEI), Caiya Hanks (SEI), Morgan Weaver (SEI)
SEI - Season-ending injury
The club reports it is in discussions with Sophia Wilson, whose contract has a player option for the 2026 season.
Laila Harbert’s loan from Arsenal to the Thorns concluded at the end of the 2025 NWSL season.
Contracts expired and in free agency:
Defenders: Kaitlyn Torpey, Nicole Payne
Midfielders: Naomi Powell, Olivia Katoa
Photo credit: Utah Royals FC
Seattle Reign FC
Midfielder Sofia Cedeno signed with the Seattle Reign through the 2028 season. Cedeno most recently played with Halifax Tides FC of the Northern Super League in Canada and has been called up to training camp with the U-20 U.S. Women’s National Team.
Utah Royals FC
Returning roster:
Goalkeepers (2): Mandy McGlynn, Mia Justus
Defenders (5): Kate Del Fava, Kaleigh Riehl, Nuria Rábano, Tatumn Milazzo, Janni Thomsen
Midfielders (2): Ana Tejada, Alex Loera
Forwards (8): Cloé Lacasse, Brecken Mozingo, KK Ream, Paige Monaghan, Aisha Solórzano, Lara Prašnikar, Mina Tanaka, Cece Kizer
Madison Hammond signed a two-year contract with the Utah Royals through the end of the 2027 season.
Miyabi Moriya signed a single-year deal with the Royals through the 2026 season. Moriya’s contract was salary-cap exempt. NWSL teams are permitted to sign four short-term, salary-cap exempt players to their rosters.
Hammond and Moriya both join the Royals from Angel City FC.
Contracts expired and in free agency:
Goalkeeper: DeAira Jackson
Defenders: Madison Pogarch, Imani Dorsey, Lauren Flynn, Olivia Griffitts, Lauren Gogal
Midfielders: Claudia Zornoza, Aria Nagai, Abby Boyan, Dana Foederer, Emily Gray
Forward: Bianca St-Georges
The club notes it is in discussions with Flynn, Jackson, Nagai, and additional free agents within the league.
Houston Dash
Goalkeeper Hillary Beall joins the Houston Dash on a 2-year contract through the 2027 season. Beall recently played with the San Diego Wave FC.
Kansas City Current
Goalkeeper Laurel Ivory’s contract expires at the end of the year, moving Ivory into free agent status.
Katie Scott and Mary Long both extended their contracts with the Current through the end of the 2027 season after joining the team at the beginning of 2025.
Racing Louisville FC
Returning roster:
Goalkeepers (2): Jordyn Bloomer, Cristina Roque
Defenders (5): Ellie Jean, Lauren Milliet, Makenna Morris, Courtney Petersen, Arin Wright
Midfielders (3): Savannah DeMelo, Taylor Flint, Katie O’Kane
Forwards (7): Milly Clegg, Kayla Fischer, Ella Hase, Emma Sears, Janine Sonis, Sarah Weber, Kirsten Wright
Jordyn Bloomer signed a new three-year agreement with Racing, keeping the goalkeeper with the club through the 2028 season.
Marisa DiGrande re-signed with Racing after entering free agency at the end of the 2025 season. DiGrande’s new contract keeps her with Louisville through the 2027 season with a mutual option for 2028.
Contracts expired and in free agency:
Goalkeepers: Katie Lund, Madison White
Defender: Allie George
Midfielder: Jordan Baggett
Forwards: Bethany Balcer, Uchenna Kanu
The club states it is in negotiations to sign additional returning players.
North Carolina Courage
Returning roster:
Goalkeepers (1): Marisa Jordan
Defenders (7): Maycee Bell, Brooklyn Courtnall (on loan to Bay FC through 2025 calendar year), Natalie Jacobs, Feli Rauch, Sydney Schmidt, Natalia Staude, Ryan Williams
Midfielders (7): Riley Jackson, Shinomi Koyama, Manaka Matsukubo, Denise O’Sullivan, Oli Peña, Ashley Sanchez, Dani Weatherholt
Forwards (4): Hannah Betfort, Aline Gomes, Payton Linnehan, Cortnee Vine
Dani Weatherholt signed a one-year extension with the Courage through the 2026 season.
Riley Jackson and Maycee Bell both extended their agreements with the Courage through the 2028 season.
Ally Schlegel joins North Carolina on a three-year agreement through 2028. Schlegel was most recently with the Chicago Stars FC and moved into free agency at the end of the season.
Contracts set to expire and move into free agency:
Goalkeepers: Katie Cappelletti, Casey Murphy (signed with Boston Legacy FC)
Defenders: Charlotte McLean, Kaleigh Kurtz (signed with Denver Summit FC)
Midfielders: Victoria Pickett, Brianna Pinto (signed with Chicago Stars FC), Meredith Speck
Forwards: Tyler Lussi, Heather MacNab, Olivia Wingate
Chicago Stars FC
Returning roster:
Goalkeepers (2): Halle Mackiewicz, Mackenzie Wood (D45)
Defenders (6): Hannah Anderson, Samantha Angel, Kathrin Hendrich, Natalia Kuikka, Taylor Malham, Sam Staab
Midfielders (5): Bea Franklin, Julia Grosso, Manaka Hayashi, Maitane, Leilanni Nesbeth
Forwards (6): Jenna Bike, Ivonne Chacón, Micayla Johnson, Jameese Joseph, Ludmila, Mallory Swanson (ML)
D45 = 45-day disabled
ML = Maternity leave
Brianna Pinto signed a two-year contract with the Stars through the 2027 season after her contract with the Courage expired this year.
Ryan Gareis joins the Stars on a three-year contract through the 2028 season. Gareis most recently played with the Houston Dash.
Contracts expired/set to expire and move into free agency:
Goalkeepers: Stephanie Sparkowski, Alyssa Naeher
Defenders: Camryn Biegalski
Midfielders: Meg Boade, Shea Groom, Cari Roccaro
Forwards: Ally Schlegel (signed with North Carolina Courage), Ava Cook, Nádia Gomes
Photo credit: Racing Louisville FC
Photo credit: Orlando Pride
Orlando Pride
Returning roster:
Goalkeepers (4): Kat Asman (on loan with Lexington SC in USL Super League), McKinley Crone, Cosette Morché, Anna Moorhouse
Defenders (7): Kerry Abello, Zara Chavoshi, Cori Dyke, Oihane, Kylie Nadaner, Emily Sams, Rafaelle
Midfielders (7): Luana, Grace Chanda, Angelina, Ally Lemos, Haley McCutcheon, Viviana Villacorta, Summer Yates
Forwards (5): Barbra Banda (SEI), Julie Doyle, Simone Jackson, Marta, Jacquie Ovalle
SEI - Season-ending injury
Hailie Mace inked a three-year agreement with the Pride through the end of the 2028 season. Mace moved into free agency at the end of the 2025 season and most recently played with the Kansas City Current.
Contracts expired/set to expire and move into free agency:
Defender: Bri Martinez, Carson Pickett
Midfielders: Morgan Gautrat, Aryssa Mahrt
Forwards: Ally Watt (loan agreement expiring - signed with Denver Summit FC), Amanda Allen, Mariana Larroquette, Elyse Bennett, Simone Charley
Washington Spirit
No reported updates.
NJ/NY Gotham FC
Returning roster:
Goalkeepers (3): Ann-Katrin Berger, Ryan Campbell, Shelby Hogan
Defenders (7): Bruninha, Jess Carter, Tierna Davidson, Kayla Duran, Mandy Freeman, Lilly Reale, Emily Sonnett
Midfielders (8): Sofia Cook, Josefine Hasbo, Jaelin Howell, Rose Lavelle, Stella Nyamekye, Sarah Schupansky, Jaedyn Shaw, Taryn Torres
Forwards (6): Princess Ademiluyi, Esther González, Khyah Harper, Gabi Portilho, Katie Stengel, Mak Whitham
Contracts expired and in free agency:
Forwards: Ella Stevens, Midge Purce
The club notes that it is in discussions with Purce.
Contracts expiring at the conclusions of the 2026 FIFA Women’s Champions Cup (February 2026):
Defender: Kayla Duran
Forward: Katie Stengel
Photo credit: Adobe
2026 NWSL Expansion Team Rosters
Denver Summit FC
Denver Summit FC has named six players to its roster:
Goalkeeper: Abby Smith
Defenders: Megan Reid, Kaleigh Kurtz
Midfielder: Lourdes Bosch
Forwards: Ally Watt, Nahikari García
Abby Smith signed a two-year agreement with the Summit through the 2027 season with a mutual option for 2028. Smith joins Denver from the Houston Dash and has won two NWSL Championships (with the Portland Thorns FC in 2022 and NJ/NY Gotham FC in 2023).
Boston Legacy FC
Boston Legacy FC has announced 11 players so far.
Defenders: Emerson Elgin, Laurel Ansbrow
Midfielders: Laís Araújo, Sophia Lowenberg (and center back), Chloe Ricketts, Barbara Olivieri (and forward), Aleigh Gambone, Alba Caño, Annie Karich
Forward: Amanda Gutierres, Aïssata Traoré
Laís Araújo joins Boston on a one-year contract with a club option for 2027. Araújo most recently played for S.L. Benfica in Portugal.
Sophia Lowenberg signed a two-year agreement with a club option for 2028. Lowenberg joins Boston after playing four years for Boston College.
NWSL Coaching and Staffing Announcements
Bay FC appointed Emma Coates as the club’s head coach and Gemma Davies as assistant coach. Both coaches come from England, where they have respective experience with England’s Women’s Under-23 team and the Barclays WSL.
The Washington Spirit named Haley Carter as President of Soccer Operations. Carter joins the Spirit after most recently holding the Vice President of Soccer Operations position with the Orlando Pride. The Spirit promoted Nathan Minion to the position of General Manager.
December 1, 2025
USWNT Beats Italy in Dual Friendlies
The USWNT defeated Italy in back-to-back shutouts in Florida on November 28 and December 1.
November 28 - Inter&Co Stadium in Orlando
For the first match of the international friendlies, USWNT Head Coach Emma Hayes employed a more veteran line-up in the Starting XI.
Rose Lavelle and Emily Sonnett, fresh off their victory celebration after winning the NWSL Championship, were the two most veteran players on the pitch with each having more than 110 caps.
Naomi Girma returned to the Starting XI wearing the captain’s armband after being away from international play for nearly five months due to injury.
The US came out of the gate strong from the starting whistle, and Olivia Moultrie put the team on the scoreboard in the 67th second.
Catarina Macario earned her fifth career brace for the USWNT with two goals in the second half.
Jameese Joseph and Kate Wiesner each earned their first cap for the USWNT when they were substituted into the match towards the end of the second half.
According to US Soccer, 43 players earned their first caps in 2025 under Emma Hayes.
USWNT Starting XI
Emma Hayes employed a 4-2-3-1 line-up for the match with
Claudia Dickey in goal
Emily Fox, Emily Sonnett, Naomi Girma, and Lilly Reale in the defensive line
Claire Hutton and Sam Coffey playing defensive midfield
Rose Lavelle in the attacking midfield position with Olivia Moultrie and Alyssa Thompson on the wings, and
Catarina Macario in the striker position
Substitutes (Minute)
Jaedyn Shaw for Olivia Moultrie (70th)
Lily Yohannes for Rose Lavelle (70th)
Emily Sams for Naomi Girma (78th)
Jameese Joseph for Alyssa Thompson (78th)
Kate Wiesner for Lilly Reale (84th)
Substitutes Not Used
Mandy McGlynn, Jordyn Bugg, Avery Patterson, Kennedy Wesley, Lindsey Heaps, Emma Sears, and Jaelin Howell
Players Not Dressed
Jordan Silkowitz, Izzy Rodriguez, and Croix Bethune
December 1 - Chase Stadium in Ft. Lauderdale
Emma Hayes utilized a greener roster in the second match against Italy.
Captain Lindsey Heaps was the most capped player on the pitch, earning her 170th that evening.
Three teenagers were featured in the starting line-up: Jordyn Bugg, Claire Hutton, and Lily Yohannes.
Kate Weisner earned her first start for the USWNT in her second appearance, the 50th player to start under Emma Hayes in just 30 games.
The US took the lead in the first half with a goal from Catarina Macario in the 20th minute, then one from Jaedyn Shaw in the 41st.
Italy increased the pressure, but Claudia Dickey prevailed in goal and earned her third clean sheet in a row on the international stage.
USWNT Starting XI
Emma Hayes employed the same formation, a 4-2-3-1 line-up, for the second match with
Claudia Dickey in goal
Emily Fox, Jordyn Bugg, Naomi Girma, and Kate Weisner in the defensive line
Lindsey Heaps and Claire Hutton playing defensive midfield
Lily Yohannes in the attacking midfield position with Jaedyn Shaw and Alyssa Thompson on the wings, and
Catarina Macario in the striker position
Substitutes (Minute)
Avery Patterson for Emily Fox (46th)
Kennedy Wesley for Naomi Girma (46th)
Emma Sears for Alyssa Thompson (46th)
Lilly Reale for Kate Weisner (75th)
Croix Bethune for Lily Yohannes (75th)
Jaelin Howell for Lindsey Heaps (78th)
Substitutes Not Used
Mandy McGlynn, Olivia Moultrie, Emily Sonnett, Rose Lavelle, Sam Coffey, and Jameese Joseph
Players Not Dressed
Jordan Silkowitz, Izzy Rodriguez, and Emily Sams
Three players in the end-of-year camp did not make an appearance: Mandy McGlynn, Jordan Silkowitz, and Izzy Rodriguez. This was Silkowitz’s first call-up.
USWNT’s Next Camp
Emma Hayes will call up players again for training camp in Southern California from January 17-24 in preparation for two international friendlies.
The first match is scheduled for January 24 against Paraguay at Dignity Health Sports Park in Carson, California.
The details of the second match have not been announced.
Photo credit: Adobe
Photo credit: NJ/NY Gotham FC
Photo credit: Chicago Stars
Photo credit: NJ/NY Gotham FC
Summit Sells Over 25K Home Opener Tickets
Denver Summit FC announced that more than 25,000 tickets have been sold for the club’s inaugural home match at Empower Field at Mile High on March 28, 2026.
The current NWSL record for the largest single-game attendance sits at 40,091 for the sold-out crowd that watched Bay FC play the Washington Spirit at Oracle Park in San Francisco on August 23, 2025.
NWSL Contracts and Transfers
Jess Fishlock extended her contract with the Seattle Reign FC through the 2026 season, marking her 14th year with the club. Fishlock recently announced her retirement from the international stage after representing the Welsh team for 19 years.
Brianna Pinto signed a two-year contract with the Chicago Stars FC through the 2027 season. Pinto most recently played with the North Carolina Courage.
Photo credit: Adobe
US Soccer Announces Player of the Year Nominations
US Soccer announced the nominations for the 2025 Female Player of the Year and Young Female Player of the Year awards.
Five players were nominated for the Female Player of the Year award:
Sam Coffey (Portland Thorns FC)
Emily Fox (Arsenal)
Alyssa Thompson (Chelsea FC)
Rose Lavelle (NJ/NY Gotham FC)
Catarina Macario (Chelsea FC)
The five players nominated for the Young Female Player of the Year award include
Jordyn Bugg (Seattle Reign FC)
Pearl Cecil (University of Virginia)
Micayla Johnson (Chicago Stars FC)
Lilly Reale (NJ/NY Gotham FC)
Riley Tiernan (Angel City FC)
Winners will be announced in January 2026.
World Sevens Releases Schedule
The World Sevens Football tournament released the schedule for the upcoming three-day competition.
Group stage starts on December 5 and will consist of two groups with four teams each with a total of 12 matches played over two days.
Group 1 includes the Kansas City Current, Club Tigres (Mexico), AFC Toronto (Canada), and Flamengo (Brazil).
Nacional (Uruguay), San Diego Wave FC, Deportivo Cali (Colombia), and Club América (Mexico) make up Group 2.
The Semifinals, Third Place Match, and Finals will all be played on December 7.
Thorns FC Parts Way with Coaches
The Portland Thorns FC announced the club was parting ways with Head Coach Rob Gale and First Assistant Coach Adam Day.
Gale coached the Thorns to back-to-back playoff runs in his short tenure with the club since he assumed the role of Head Coach in the middle of the 2023 season.
Sarah Lowdon will act as Interim Head Coach. Lowdon joined the Thorns as Assistant Head Coach in 2023.
Photo credit: Angel City FC
Photo credit: Kansas City Current