Dennis Rodman publicly reacted to his daughter, Trinity Rodman, becoming the highest-paid female soccer player globally, signing a three-year contract with the Washington Spirit. The NBA icon shared the news on his Instagram Story alongside lyrics from Drake and Nicki Minaj’s “Make Me Proud,” adding a simple “History.”
Trinity Rodman’s Groundbreaking Contract
The 23-year-old’s new deal ensures she remains with the Spirit for three years, with an annual salary exceeding $2 million including bonuses. This makes her not only the highest-paid player in the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) but also the top-earning female soccer player worldwide, surpassing Barcelona’s Aitana Bonmati.
Trinity Rodman described the deal as a “monumental and game-changing moment,” expressing gratitude for the opportunity. She emphasized that this contract will open doors for aspiring American female athletes, stating, “I think this is just opening up opportunities for American girls with dreams.”
A Fraught Father-Daughter Relationship
The acknowledgment comes amid a long-standing estranged relationship with her father. Trinity has publicly criticized Dennis Rodman, describing him as emotionally distant and self-centered in a December 2024 interview on the Call Her Daddy podcast.
“He’s not a dad,” Trinity stated. “Maybe by blood, but nothing else…I think he’s an extremely selfish human being.”
Dennis Rodman responded to his daughter’s comments with a since-deleted Instagram post, expressing regret for not being the father she desired while still asserting his ongoing efforts to connect. He wrote, “Sorry I wasn’t the Dad you wanted me to be but either way I still tried…I will keep trying even when you’re being told as an adult not to respond to my phone calls.”
Why This Matters
The significance of Trinity Rodman’s contract extends beyond her personal success. It highlights the growing financial recognition within women’s soccer, a sport historically underpaid compared to its male counterpart. This deal sets a new benchmark for player compensation and could accelerate further investment in the NWSL and other women’s leagues.
The father-daughter dynamic adds another layer of complexity. Dennis Rodman’s acknowledgment, however strained, underscores the persistent struggle for many athletes to reconcile personal conflicts with professional achievements.
The situation raises questions about the lasting impact of parental figures on an athlete’s career and the evolving standards for athlete compensation in women’s sports.
The contract is a landmark event for female athletes, and the family tensions that surround it will only amplify the story’s appeal.
