Sophia Smith, the USWNT forward, has signed a new contract with the Portland Thorns, making her the highest-paid player annually in the NWSL. The contract extends through the 2025 season, with an option for Smith to extend it to 2026. This move has been widely reported and celebrated across various platforms, emphasizing Smith's significant negotiating power as a young star in the league. Smith's decision to stay with the Thorns and reject the narrative of moving to Europe for career advancement has been highlighted as a pivotal moment for the NWSL, reflecting positively on the league's growth and the effect of new ownership.
Sophia Smith has signed a new deal with @ThornsFC through the 2025 season ⚽️ This new deal makes her the highest-paid player annually in the #NWSL. Read more ⬇️ https://t.co/GfXQuuhSIb
Sophia Smith, Portland Thorns sign contract making her NWSL's highest-paid player https://t.co/CLTwZrmP0e
Thorns make F Sophia Smith NWSL's highest-paid player https://t.co/GAifF5jipY https://t.co/ep0TIvs6a1
Sophia Smith's contract extension with the Portland Thorns through 2025 (player option in 2026) will make her the highest paid player in the NWSL, per multiple reports 👏 https://t.co/Eycj3WUYNo
The NWSL's new highest-paid player annually: Sophia Smith. The USWNT forward has signed a new contract with the Portland Thorns that runs through 2025, with a player option for 2026. https://t.co/oeSWMsozf8
🚨 BREAKING NEWS: Sophia Smith has signed a new contract with the Portland Thorns that makes her the highest-paid player *annually* in the #NWSL 🗣️Smith on why she signed, the effect of new ownership, and why she doesn't buy the 'go to Europe' narrative. https://t.co/HLt5GIOATi
Only though on the Sophia Smith extension with the Thorns is that a contract through 2025 with a 2026 player option really isn’t that long. Good negotiating power for the young star.
Smith would have been eligible for free agency after the 2025 season. https://t.co/jHyxMxgCSh
Sophia Smith is staying in Rose City! 🌹 Congrats @sophsssmith on this historic deal, excited to see your journey @ThornsFC continue 👏🇺🇸 #TeamWass https://t.co/SXlRvruzcG