Washington Spirit news

From Trinity Rodman’s individual success to high hopes for Denver Summit FC, GOAL outlines its predictions for the NWSL season in 2026.

NWSL returns with a packed schedule and familiar chaos. From stars like Sophia Wilson, Marta, and Temwa Chawinga to the teams you can avoid, here’s who’s actually worth your weekend watch.

Many of the NWSL kits for 2026 are bold, but how effective the designs are has divided opinion among the GOAL writers.

GOAL takes a look at which NWSL teams did the best, and worst, with their kits this season

There were so many big names to watch at last year's Copa America Femenina. Marta's emergence out of international retirement was the major storyline going into the tournament, where stars such as Real Madrid's Linda Caicedo, Chelsea's Mayra Ramirez and Manchester City's Kerolin were also primed to shine. But these events also provide the platform for new names to rise to the fore, and that is exactly what happened with a 17-year-old sensation from Paraguay by the name of Claudia Martinez.

The Kansas City Current reshaped the NWSL trade market on Wednesday, executing two major intraleague deals that sent USWNT midfielder Claire Hutton to Bay FC and brought fellow U.S. international Croix Bethune over from the Washington Spirit. The combined cost hovered around $1 million, signaling a bold shift ahead of the NWSL season kickoff in March.

Crystal Dunn’s retirement left teammates emotional and reflective. Her 12-year international career shaped players from Trinity Rodman and Mallory Swanson to Croix Bethune and Sophia Wilson.

Wearing the USWNT armband for the first time, Trinity Rodman discusses how she views leadership after captaining the U.S. vs Paraguay.

Trinity Rodman became the highest-paid women’s soccer player in the world by staying in the NWSL. GOAL breaks down what that decision means - and the challenges that came with it.

U.S. international Trinity Rodman has agreed to a three-year deal to remain with the Washington Spirit, ending months of uncertainty surrounding her future. The agreement follows the NWSL’s introduction of the High Impact Player rule, though it remains unclear whether Rodman will be formally classified under the designation once it takes effect in July.