Mallory Swanson has signed the biggest contract in NWSL history after agreeing to a new deal with the Chicago Red Stars.
The USWNT forward’s contract is for four years, with an option for a fifth, and is worth $2 million. according to ESPN. Swanson’s deal marks the first four-year contract in NWSL history. Mexican winger Maria Sanchez makes more per year than Swanson, but her three-year contract with the Houston Dash is worth a total of $1.5 million. Swanson’s USWNT teammate Trinity Rodman signed a four-year, $1.1 million contract with the Washington Spirit in 2022.
“I’m happy to be back with the Red Stars. The last few years have been such a blessing in Chicago, even with the ups and downs, and I can’t wait to be back,” Swanson said in a statement. “I’m looking forward to getting started and helping the team win championships. See you all soon!”
The NWSL recently signed a four-year, $240 million broadcast deal with CBS Sports, ESPN, Prime Video and Scripps Sports. That, along with higher attendance, has allowed the league to increase the salary cap by 40% to $2.75 million per team for the upcoming season, which starts in March.
Swanson made her international debut for the US as a 17-year-old in 2016 and won the World Cup in 2019. The 25-year-old scored 32 goals in 88 appearances for her country, but missed last year’s World Cup through injury. . In 2021 she joined the Red Stars.
“The Red Stars couldn’t be more pleased that Mallory Swanson has decided to extend her career with us here in Chicago,” said Karen Leetzow, president of the Chicago Red Stars. “Mallory exemplifies the grit, focus and resilience of our franchise and is an anchor for this team. Mal is a natural leader, both on and off the field, and I look forward to working with her to build the Red Stars into a championship team.”
after newsletter promotion
Chicago sports have been good to the Swansons: Her husband, Dansby, signed a seven-year, $177 million contract with the Cubs in 2022.