Trinity Rodman's free agency puts focus on the NWSL's salary cap

NWSL commissioner Jessica Berman has signed a multi-year extension to remain in her role through the 2028 season, as announced by the league. Since taking over in 2022, Berman has worked to improve the NWSL's reputation following investigations into systemic abuse and has significantly increased the league's visibility.

The Washington Spirit is set to face Gotham FC in the NWSL Championship after narrowly missing the title last year. The match will take place in San Jose, California, where both teams aim to secure their second championship title. The Spirit finished the regular season in second place, while Gotham FC, the underdogs, secured the eighth spot.

The Orlando Pride has announced that Haley Carter, the sporting director and vice president of soccer operations, will be leaving the franchise to pursue other career opportunities. This decision comes shortly after the team's season ended without securing a repeat title in the NWSL.

Racing Louisville FC's manager, Bev Yanez, has been awarded the NWSL Coach of the Year for 2025 at the league's inaugural formal awards ceremony. This recognition comes after a milestone year for the team, highlighting Yanez's successful leadership and contributions to the club's achievements.

Temwa Chawinga of the KC Current has made history by being named the NWSL Most Valuable Player for the second consecutive year. This achievement marks her as the first player to win the award back-to-back, highlighting her exceptional performance in the league despite facing an injury during the season.

Savy King, a defender for Angel City FC, is launching a CPR training program for all 16 NWSL teams, following her own collapse during a game six months ago. Partnering with her nonprofit, Savy King of Hearts, and the American Heart Association, King aims to enhance player safety through proper CPR training.

Temwa Chawinga of Kansas City Current has been named the NWSL Most Valuable Player for the second consecutive year, making her the first player to achieve this feat. Despite suffering an adductor injury in October, she led the league with 15 goals and three assists in 23 matches, also winning the Golden Boot.

Gotham FC, the eighth-placed underdogs, will face the second-placed Washington Spirit in the NWSL Championship final. Both teams have previously won the championship, with the Spirit claiming victory in 2021 and Gotham in 2023. While Washington is favored to win, Gotham's talent and resilience could lead to an upset in the match scheduled for Saturday night in San Jose.