Sophia Smith is setting the bar high in the National Women’s Soccer League, having inked a record-breaking deal with the Portland Thorns that places her at the top of the league's payroll. Smith has committed her immediate future to the Thorns, extending her stay through the 2025 season with an option to further extend till 2026. OregonLive broke the story, but did not disclose financial terms in detail.
It's not just about the numbers — Smith's deal is a testament to her value on the field. The 23-year-old is fresh off clinching the Golden Boot in 2023 after becoming the youngest MVP in league history in 2022. This signing seems to merely underscore what the Thorns and their fans already knew: Smith is quite indispensable. According to a roundtable interview obtained by ESPN, Smith unabashedly declared, "There is no place like Portland... I don't believe there's an environment like Portland to play in and it's a city that's so special to me."
While the full scope of what Smith will earn remains under wraps, ESPN sources confirmed that her base salary would make her the NWSL's highest-paid player annually. This deal comes after Smith was set to be a free agent at the season's end — a situation that evidently had Thorns' general manager Karina LeBlanc fielding queries about Smith’s contract status from every Tom, Dick, and Harry in Portland.
The move sends a strong message to rivals and the Thorns' faithful alike: Portland intends to consistently be at the sharp end of success. Smith herself took to social media, stating, "There is some unfinished business, and I want to keep winning championships with this team and for this city," as reported by KATU. Her commitment helps to solidify Portland's standing as a beacon for top-tier female soccer talent, eager not just to play but to dominate the NWSL landscape.
Smith's prolific scoring record, coupled with an unrelenting drive to scoop up silverware, has inevitably led to this lucrative deal. It's a hallmark moment not just for Smith or the Thorns but for the NWSL as it continues to aim breaking new ground when it comes to player compensation and recognition. And with the Thorns locking down their brightest star, they have sent an unmistakable signal: They are not merely looking to compete — they are looking to reign supreme for years to come.
