I’m not about to lose a vacation day to write a column on this but please know one part of my brain is trying to figure out where this goes on the power ranking of dumb NWSL decisions. The eligibility criteria is somehow worse even though we sort of knew it.

A Trinity, if you will

Spirits, if you will?

The NWSL needs to be visited by three ghosts this Christmas Eve.

Sorry it is sadly so funny to me that we hit peak women’s sports confluence today where the WNBA and the NWSL are both publicly arguing with their PA’s

hi and bye from vacation www.nytimes.com/athletic/690...

Vermont’s undisputed champion joins the MLS Cup Champions. Maximilian Kissel—the two-time national champ with Vermont Green and UVM— is selected by Inter Miami CF with the final pick in the 2026 MLS SuperDraft. Congratulations, Maxi! 💚

EXCLUSIVE: #USWNT forward Sophia Wilson is staying with the Portland Thorns for the 2026 season. The former NWSL champion and Olympic gold medalist spoke exclusively to The Athletic about her decision, becoming a mom and her continued drive to win. 🔗: www.nytimes.com/athletic/689...

“It will be even more special and full circle going back to Portland with my daughter.” Sophia Wilson is officially back with the Thorns for 2026. I spoke with her in an exclusive for @theathletic.com on her decision to stay in Portland, a place she calls home. www.nytimes.com/athletic/689...

this fake job listing (for Dior!) phishing email really starts with a bang at least

Pricing for 90% of the supporters tickets remains unchanged. But 10% — or 1.6% of the total ticket inventory — now priced at $60, per FIFA.

player salaries should definitely be influenced by award lists, what could go wrong

The ref in the college cup just made the MOST dramatic pause before declaring the OT game winner as a good goal, I’m still cackling at how long he waited before revealing his call.

I was wrong about you, and that’s on me.

I’m not sure I’ll ever find the right words for this. In October, my service dog died suddenly. If you’ve seen me, in a stadium, on a sideline, in a press box, you’ve seen her. While I mourn her, I must look forward to find her successor. Please share & consider donating if able gofund.me/599149570

I really didn’t expect to do a little cry in the middle of Wake Up Dead Man but whew, That Scene got me.

It is critical that collective bargaining agreements be honored in accordance with federal labor laws—especially at a time of tremendous growth for women’s sports. All women—including women athletes—deserve fair pay and to be treated well at work. democraticwomenscaucus.house.gov/news/documen...

A rule change on the NWSL salary cap is imminent from the NWSL board of governors that could help pay top players like Trinity Rodman. No new contract yet though — and Congress has taken interest, too 👀 New at @theathletic.com www.nytimes.com/athletic/688...

Big news out of Chicago this morning: Alyssa Naeher has re-signed with the Stars through 2026. In announcing the move, she says, "I feel like I still have more to give." www.nytimes.com/athletic/687...

are we still on about em dashes and ai. imo human writers should just use the em dashes even harder. we should be out here pummeling out those em dashes like we're emily dickinson

When you summon the strength to let the bad post go by without responding

"Guys. I was a Marine, okay? I got 200 people out of Afghanistan to Australia. I know a thing or two about visas and immigration." — Haley Carter, with a smile, responding to a question on the Spirit's roster construction and the number of international players from @ellabrockway.bsky.social

i have mostly come to terms with var but if a review takes this long then it is not clear and obvious, thank you for coming to my ted talk (i also thought it was a handball, but my god it should not take that long, send it to the ref to watch!)

Zach Zengue, MAC Hermann Trophy Semifinalist!!

Thinking of Grant Wahl today & sending love to his family, former peers & those who loved his writing. Last night I found something I wrote after his passing, with help from @meglinehan.com & @jtannenwald.bsky.social. I published it today, as a small tribute. www.linkedin.com/pulse/grant-...

From @theathleticfc.bsky.social: FIFA president Gianni Infantino has been accused of breaching FIFA’s ethics codes in relation to the process that saw President Trump receive an inaugural peace prize.

what a Christmas gift to us all

this is precisely the core of it the whole reason to be in NWSL ownership is that you're betting on *growth* league revenue is already on a parabolic trajectory and it's reasonable to believe it can continue but if you want it to continue, you have to actually make some commitments to growth

As things stand now, the NWSL isn’t fighting for Trinity Rodman. It’s fighting against her, and shadowboxing with its own potential in the process. A column, at @theathletic.com: www.nytimes.com/athletic/687...

A few years back I talked to the only two living members of the Craig League - they have since passed away - and went deep into the history of the first-ever women’s soccer league in the USA (or was it?) - @meglinehan.com with the assist on this one. www.nytimes.com/athletic/345...

All across the USA there are forgotten spaces of American soccer. At dawn, I’m standing at one in St. Louis. Here, at the corner of N Market & N Spring St, the young women of the Craig League played what’s often cited as the first organized women’s league match in 🇺🇸 history.

Lando’s mom is probably the best part of this.

help

World Cup draw vibes

Just a couple of strangers sitting next to each other, likely not discussing anything but the Men's World Cup Draw, for sure!

Dreading the World Cup draw with every fiber of my being today, how about you?

NEW: Players union says NWSL engaged in ‘flagrant’ violation of Trinity Rodman’s free agent rights www.nytimes.com/athletic/686...

NEW: The Spirit came up with a multi-million dollar offer to keep Trinity Rodman in the league, which she was ready to accept. It was vetoed by NWSL commissioner Jessica Berman, according to sources. Where's it leave negotiations? Great question. www.nytimes.com/athletic/686...

So @bostonlegacyfc.com just signed BC's Sophia Lowenberg — also the scorer of arguably the best goal scored so far for the @vermontgreenfc.bsky.social women's team. One of the top 5 goals I saw live this year, no joke.

Also, last night while we were prepping the Haley Carter news, I ended up rereading this interview between @thrace.bsky.social and @hccarter.bsky.social when she joined Orlando in January 2023. Just a ridiculous execution of the vision. www.nytimes.com/athletic/413...

Can confirm, Haley not only played Kan Jam with the Squadron, she won our pregame mini tournament at least once!

NEW: It's a rare blockbuster move in the world of technical staffs of the NWSL — Haley Carter is heading to the District to serve as president of soccer operations. I spoke to Haley and Michele Kang on the move, global ambitions (and, of course, Trinity Rodman). www.nytimes.com/athletic/685...

The update from the Thorns end-of-year roster email that everyone was waiting to see: "The Thorns are in discussions with forward Sophia Wilson, who has a player option for 2026, after she missed this past season on maternity leave."

reminder to hit us up with your ❓❓❓❓❓

for transparency, my just submitted votes for u.s. soccer poty awards — female player of the year: cat macario young female player of the year: lilly reale

the best visual representation of this match so far

Yohannes + Macario = a problem.

Jaedyn Shaw now also banned from Italy, what a rocket.

cat, that was mean and so so so good

Thanks to vacation time and the holidays this week is the final time @tamerra-griffin.bsky.social and I are recording together! So send us your end of year questions or the ones you have for 2026! Keep ‘em quick if you can so we can answer as many as possible 🙏 📧 fulltime at theathletic dot com 📧