Sophia Wilson Exercises Option to Stay With Portland Thorns Through 2026
United States Women’s National Team (USWNT) star Sophia Wilson will return to Portland next season after exercising the one-year player option in her contract with the Portland Thorns, Sportico has reported.
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The move keeps the 25-year-old striker in the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) through the 2026 season, with the option—written into her 2024 deal—valued at $1 million, making Wilson the highest-paid player in league history.
The 2022 NWSL Most Valuable Player (MVP) is set to make her on-field return after missing the 2025 campaign due to pregnancy.
Wilson gave birth to her daughter in September and is expected back with the Thorns next season.
Wilson’s decision comes at a pivotal moment for the NWSL, as the league continues to navigate salary cap constraints.
The development follows the league’s recent rejection of the Washington Spirit’s reported multi-million dollar offer to Trinity Rodman, highlighting the growing tension between star-player valuations and existing financial regulations.
According to ESPN, the NWSL Board of Governors is currently discussing the introduction of a “High Impact Player” mechanism, which would allow clubs to exceed the salary cap for select marquee players.
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However, no official changes have been approved, and it remains unclear whether Wilson’s contract would fall under any future exception.
The league’s current base salary cap stands at $3.5 million, with plans to increase it to $4.4 million by 2027 —the same year Wilson is scheduled to become a free agent.
For now, Wilson’s return provides a major boost for Portland and reinforces her status as one of the most influential players in women’s football, both on and off the pitch.
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