The Portland Thorns have pulled off one of the biggest deals in National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) history after agreeing to a multi-year deal for forward Sophia Smith. The Colorado native has agreed to a record contract extension that makes her the high-paid yearly player in the league.
The agreement will see the U.S. women’s national team striker contracted with Portland through the 2025 season, with a player option for an extension until 2026.
She’s staying!
Sophia Smith and @thornsfc agree to a contract
extension 🌹 pic.twitter.com/Xq1IVaqXTW— National Women’s Soccer League (@NWSL) March 27, 2024
“I’m excited to call Portland home and extend my time with the Thorns. The support from the fans, city and club have been tremendous and I’m looking forward to being a part of its next chapter.”Smith had said in an earlier interview, per USA Today.
Smith was the no.1 overall pick in the NWSL 2020 Draft coming out of Stanford. In 2022, she guided Portland to a championship and was named the league MVP and the championship MVP, making her the youngest league MVP in history. In 2023, Smith continued her impressive form, winning the NWSL Golden Boot after scoring 11 goals in 17 games.
With the women’s game growing in popularity globally and especially in Europe, the signing is a massive coup for both Portland, and the NWSL.
