“We should actually support players who want to go and play overseas,” remarked USWNT icon Sam Mewis recently while addressing the potential exit rumors surrounding Trinity Rodman, as the sensational forward had previously expressed her desire to leave. Hardly any ardent NWSL fan would disagree with Mewis’ sentiment. Washington Spirit owner Michele Kang, however, has a different take on the idea. 

After all it’s her team’s star player who is being linked with a move away. But then again, the self-proclaimed ‘globalist’, who also owns the London Lionesses in England and Lyon in France, would like to see players try to gain experience from all places, be it her own nation, or any overseas league.

“The European players should actually go at some point to experience the American football or different football. The same thing with the American football players as well,” Kang said during an exclusive chat with The Athletic. “I think experiencing different style, different leagues, it’s actually a good thing,” further added the 65-year-old.

A steal of a deal—Europe sends its players for experience, and America sends its own in return. Quite an arrangement that perfectly echoes the sentiments of her star player, Trin. Earlier, the daughter of Dennis Rodman didn’t just hint at an interest in playing overseas—she openly admitted she would “kick” herself if she didn’t seize the opportunity before retiring. If she indeed ends up moving to Europe, she will be joining the likes of Naomi Girma, Jenna Nighswonger, and Kerolin in what has predominantly been a one-way traffic out of the NWSL.

While the 22-year-old has emphasized her commitment to this season with the Spirit, the prospect of a future move remains very much on the horizon. Even Sam Mewis’ former US teammate Becky Sauerbrunn, who joined her on The Women’s Game podcast segment, backed Rodman’s desire to play in Europe.

“We will have to deal with it when Trinity decides it’s the right time for her,” said Sauerbrunn. While many would argue that Rodman moving overseas is for monetary gains, the former center-back sees it as a chance for the talented winger to ply her trade in the foreign leagues just to gain the necessary experience.

Then again, another school of thought wants Rodman to keep excelling in the American league. In fact, even Kang is ready to do what it takes to retain her star player at least for the time being.

Trinity Rodman still has time at Washington Spirit

Michele Kang finds it quite necessary to keep hold of the 2024 Paris Olympic gold medalist at Audi Field. In fact, not for the sake of her team but for the NWSL as a whole. “It will be very, very important not only for the Spirit, but in my opinion, for NWSL [to keep Trinity Rodman in the States]” added the millionaire philanthropist.

Joining the Spirit in 2021, Dennis Rodman’s daughter signed a $1.1 million extension the next year, later securing a three-year deal with a 2025 option. With the contract nearing its end this summer and no talks reported, speculation is mounting. However, Kang’s recent comments hint that Rodman’s future with the club isn’t set in stone just yet.

“We’re going to do everything in our power to hopefully keep her here,” said Kang. “She’s an integral part of our success, our success meaning the spirit as well as NWSL.”

Meanwhile, Megan Rapinoe recently echoed a similar sentiment on her A Touch More podcast. While acknowledging the allure of playing in Europe, Rapinoe expressed that she wants Rodman to stay with the Spirit. What’s more, her take on the matter also included a piece of advice for the Washington Spirit owner. 

“If I was Michele Kang, I would get that checkbook out and just keep her exactly where she is,” commented Pinoe, calling Trinity the most marketable player of the Spirit.

What are your thoughts on this? Let us know in the comments.