Portland Thorns F Sophia Smith has signed a new contract with the team that "ties her to Portland through the 2025 season, with an option to extend the contract through 2026," making her the "highest-paid player annually" in the NWSL. Smith signed a "shorter-term deal but will be paid higher annually," the Thorns said, although Thorns GM Karina LeBlanc "declined to share specific numbers." LeBlanc said re-signing Smith was "one of the first things [she] talked about" with the Bhathals , who purchased the Thorns for a then-record $63M in January. Smith "would have had plenty of options both domestically and abroad" if she had let her previous contract expire. Smith re-signing in Portland is "another boost to the NWSL's claim as the best league in the world" ( ESPN.com, 3/27 ).
Thorns make Smith highest-paid player in NWSL
