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The Highest-Paid NWSL Players Right Now

  • Sophia Smith leads the way, earning over $500K annually.
  • Only one goalkeeper makes the list.
Jul 5, 2024; Portland, Oregon, USA; Portland Thorns FC forward Sophia Smith (9) dribbles during the first half against the San Diego Wave FC at Providence Park. Mandatory Credit: Troy Wayrynen-USA TODAY Sports
Troy Wayrynen-USA TODAY Sports

The future looks bright for the NWSL. 

Record attendance numbers last season and an unprecedented media rights deal signed in 2024 demonstrates the league’s rise in popularity.

That deal has led to a higher salary cap, and some NWSL players received big paydays after the cap increase. While the league is not yet seeing similar salary levels to those of MLS players, there have been major increases in recent years.

Sophia Smith leads the way as the highest-paid NWSL player, earning a reported salary of over $500K annually. The Thorns star forward signed the deal in March to extend her contract until 2025.

Smith earns another $1.2 million in off-the-field earnings mainly through endorsement deals. She’s a former number 1 overall NWSL draft pick, 2022 NWSL MVP, and Golden Boot winner in 2023. 

In second earning $500K per year is Maria Sanchez of the Wave. Sanchez signed her contract extension in December 2023, making her the highest-paid NWSL player at the time. The 3-year deal will net her $1.5 million.

Christine Sinclair makes an estimated $450K annually to put her in third. She’s the oldest player on the list at 41.

Sinclair has spent her entire 11-year career in Portland playing in their midfield. The Canadian native played with their national team for 23 years before retiring from international soccer in 2023. 

Clubs are shelling out the most for scorers. The majority of the highest-paid NWSL players on the list are forwards. Only one goalkeeper made the list.

Racheal Kundananji of Bay City FC earns $245K to put her 11th. Her club broke the women’s transfer record in February when they signed her from Madrid CFF for $787.6K.

As NWSL team values climb, the league hopes to continue to attract world-class talent and more admirers of the league.

Ranking The Highest-Paid National Women’s Soccer League Players

Here is the entire list of the highest-paid NWSL players. The list was compiled with estimated and reported annual salary data from Girls Soccer Network and ESPN.

  • Updated: August 2, 2024
RankPlayerPositionTeamEstimated Annual Compensation
1Sophia SmithForwardPortland Thorns>$500K
2Maria SanchezForwardSan Diego Wave FC$500K
3Christine SinclairMidfielderPortland Thorns$450K
T-5Crystal DunnMidfielderGotham FC$400K
T-5MartaForwardOrlando Pride$400K
T-5Nadine AngererGoalkeeperPortland Thorns$400K
T-5Mallory SwansonForwardChicago Red Stars$400K
8Amandine HenryMidfielderAngel City FC$394.5K
9Trinity RodmanForwardWashington Spirit$275K
10Rose LavelleMidfielderGotham FC$265K
11Racheal KundananjiForwardBay City FC$262.3K
12Alex MorganForwardSan Diego Wave FC$250K

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