Washington Spirit Owner Makes Honest Trinity Rodman Confession Amid Megan Rapinoe’s Warning

“If I was Michele Kang, I would do what I always do,” said Megan Rapinoe, “get that checkbook out and just keep her exactly where she is.” When a decorated icon like Rapinoe makes a comment like this about someone, you know they’re special. For reference, the former USWNT star made this remark regarding Trinity Rodman‘s NWSL exit rumors after the Washington Spirit forward expressed her desire to play overseas. But talk about manifestation—Kang really seems to have heard Rapinoe’s request.

The owner of the Washington, D.C.-based club finally addressed her star forward’s comments about playing abroad. Rodman didn’t just express interest in playing overseas—she admitted she would “kick” herself if she didn’t do so before retiring. While the 22-year-old admitted she is focused on this year with the Spirit, plans to make the move when the time is right still loom around. That only makes it obvious that she desires to leave the NWSL at some point.

However, Michele Kang isn’t ready to see her star player leave. Ahead of her team’s home opener against Kansas City Current at the Audi Field, the American businesswoman addressed Rodman’s exit rumors. “It will be very, very important not only for the Spirit, but in my opinion, for NWSL [to keep Trinity Rodman in the States]” said Kang, as compiled by the Athletic.

Having joined the Spirits in 2021, the daughter of Dennis Rodman reportedly signed a $1.1 million contract extension for the following year. It was a three-year deal with an option till 2025. However, with the deal coming to an end this summer with no alleged talks between either party, the chatter is louder.

Then again, Kang’s latest assertion means there’s hope that Rodman may change her mind. “We’re going to do everything in our power to hopefully keep her here,” said the 64-year-old. “She’s an integral part of our success, our success meaning the spirit as well as NWSL.”

Ring any bells? Well, this is exactly what Rapinoe said a few days ago on her own A Touch More podcast show. She cited how players are excited to play in Europe, especially the special pull of the UEFA Champions League. Yet, despite herself enjoying stints in Australia and France, Rapinoe is keen to see Rodman succeed in the NWSL. “I would be doing everything I possibly could to be having Trinity under long and lucrative contracts for a very long time. She’s your best player. She’s your most marketable player,” advised Megan to Michele Kang.

Well? Request accepted as the Washington Spirit boss looks determined to keep Rodman at Audi Field. In fact, with further admission, she also challenged the opinion of the other two USWNT icons!

Michael Kang looks prepared to lose Trinity Rodman—but not now!

Unlike Megan Rapinoe, USWNT legends Becky Sauerbrunn and Sam Mewis have backed Trinity Rodman’s desire to play overseas. Speaking on The Women’s Game podcast, Sauerbrunn noted it wasn’t surprising, as most players aspire to explore foreign leagues. “We will have to deal with it when Trinity decides it’s the right time for her,” she said, stressing that her decision is about experience, not money. 

Mewis echoed her sentiment, suggesting that the NWSL should introduce a designated player rule and joking that paying Rodman $5 million could keep her in the league. However, she acknowledged Europe’s appeal, saying, “I do think that we should actually support players who want to go and play overseas.”

This is exactly what Michele Kang both agrees and disagrees with at the same time. “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. “I think experiencing different style, different leagues, it’s actually a good thing. So we’ll see.”

In short, while Kang is urging European players to join NWSL, she is also open to vice versa. Perhaps, in the following years, we might see the owner let Trinity Rodman join a European side. But when that decision has to be made remains a mystery.