Sophia Wilson, first NWSL player to earn $1M, secures 2026 contract with Portland Thorns after maternity leave.

Portland Thorns forward Sophia Wilson has exercised her $1 million player option for 2026, becoming the first NWSL player to earn a seven-figure contract. The 25-year-old, a former No. 1 draft pick, missed the 2025 season due to maternity leave after giving birth to daughter Gianna in September. She led the Thorns to an NWSL championship in 2022, was named league MVP, and earned Best XI honors in 2022, 2023, and 2024. A U.S. Olympic gold medalist and two-goal scorer at the 2023 World Cup, Wilson has 50 goals and 15 assists in 97 appearances for Portland. She expressed deep personal ties to the city and excitement to return to Providence Park and play for the Riveters.