da brdice： USWNT superstar Sophia Smith has penned a new contract with Portland Thorns which makes her the highest-paid player in the NWSL.
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Smith extends until 2025 with an option for 2026Vowed to win trophies with PortlandHappy to snub Europe and continue in the USWHAT HAPPENED?
The newly-inked deal will see Smith remain with the Thorns through the culmination of the 2025 season, with an option in place for an additional year. Although there has been no official word from Portland Thorns about the financial package of the new deal, Karina LeBlanc, the Thorns' general manager, affirmed that Smith's earnings under the new agreement will see her become the highest-paid player in the NWSL. This information was corroborated by an NWSL spokesperson, who also informed that her annual wage structure is indeed the highest among all players of the competition.
AdvertisementGetty ImagesWHAT SMITH SAID
Reflecting on her decision to extend her stay with Portland, Smith expressed profound contentment and a sense of purpose, telling : "I’m feeling really at peace with the decision to stay in Portland. There’s still things that I want to do with this club, and trophies I want to win. With new ownership coming in, I have already felt that this club is going in the right direction and I want to be a part of that. I don’t want to miss that. I’ve grown so much as a person and a player here; I feel like I still have so much to learn and grow.”
THE BIGGER PICTURE
Despite the allure of alternative options, including opportunities in Europe, Smith insisted that she has no regrets about continuing in the NWSL. Although she acknowledged the distinct challenges posed by European football, Smith affirmed her unwavering commitment to the league.
"I thought of all the options," Smith said. "I’m always thinking of all the options because I always want to put myself in the best position. I do feel like I’m in the prime years of my career, and where I play right now will play a big role in how much I can achieve.
"[But] I don’t believe that every player needs to go to Europe to become who they’re supposed to be. I don’t believe that narrative. This league is so good for me. It’s the exact type of style that I like to play and thrive in. I still have so much to learn in this league, and with this club specifically, and I don’t want to move on from that yet."
GettyWHAT NEXT?
As Smith embarks on the next chapter of her career with Portland Thorns, her contract extension not only underscores her exceptional talent and value but also reaffirms the NWSL's position as a premier destination for top-tier women's football talent. She will be back in action against Racing Louisville on Saturday in the NWSL.