A long-awaited mystery has finally been solved: Sophia Wilson's status for the 2026 season has officially been revealed.
Today, the Portland Thorns announced that the USWNT megastar, supermom, and world-class No. 9 is returning to the club after exercising her 2026 player option.
The option is worth a reported $1 million, which is the highest annual salary in the history of the NWSL.
“Bringing this new version of myself back to Portland is so special to me because Portland is where I started my professional career and it's where I've really grown up in a lot of ways, said Sophia Wilson. "I'm excited for the city. I love living there. I love the people there. I'm excited to get back with everyone and play in Providence Park, to play in front of the Riveters. There's no place like it. I don't care what anyone says. That is the place to play and I'm excited to just be back in it!”
“We are excited to have a world-class player like Sophia continue to call Portland her home and commit to our goals of winning an NWSL Championship in 2026,” said President and General Manager of Soccer Operations Jeff Agoos. “She is an exceptional global star that can change the game in an instant. Sophia will strengthen our roster’s attack as we build on the success we saw in 2025, and we are happy to that she will represent and fight for this incredible soccer community next season.”
According to a source, the Thorns anticipate Wilson’s full participation in both the 2026 preseason camp and Coachella Valley Invitational.
If all goes accordingly, she could be on the opening day roster for 2026.
Since being drafted with the No. 1 overall pick in the 2020 NWSL Draft, Sophia Wilson has blossomed into one of the best footballers in the world. At 25, she is already one of the most decorated players of all time. Wilson's accolades for club and country include NWSL MVP, the 2022 NWSL Championship MVP, Olympic Gold Medalist, and she has lifted many more trophies as well.
At full strength, the club now possess one of the best frontlines in NWSL, and immediately become one of the top contenders for the shield and championship.
With the rising talents of Reilyn Turner and Pietra Tordin, the pending returns of Caiya Hanks, Morgan Weaver, and Julie Dufour, the Rose City's forward group has unlimited potential. They'll also have Deyna Castellanos and Alexa Spaanstra back in the fold. And by the way, this will also be young phenom Valerin Loboa's first full offseason with the club too.
Jeff Agoos and the front office have made it clear who their core building blocks are with many long-term contracts in already in place, players like Olivia Moultrie and Reyna Reyes here to stay. In 2026, the Portland Thorns also already have the leadership in the locker room with Sam Coffey and Mackenzie Arnold and a soon-to-be opened new training facility. And with the guidance of the right head coach, they have the opportunity to shine brighter than ever.
Suffice it to say, the situation Wilson is returning to is a promising one.
Two things are clear: Sophia Wilson has trusted the club's vision, and now they'll have to prove it to her in 2026 that they're all in. Also, Soph's daughter Gigi Wilson is set to be welcomed by 20+ aunties who will all be ready to babysit with a friend waiting in Ruby Bixby.
