Trinity Rodman Made an Instant Realization Looking at NBA & NFL Player Contracts

When the USWNT players won their fight for equal pay, it was hailed as a historic moment for women’s soccer. In fact, it created a domino effect, inspiring female athletes from other sports to fight for their own causes. While the US Soccer continues to pay women the same as men, the same cannot be said for the country’s domestic level. But forget the pay disparity within the beautiful game, Trinity Rodman, although ‘grateful’ for what she earns, was left ‘agh‘ when she saw how other sports like the NBA and NFL offer significantly more.
By significant, we mean a lot. Though the numbers will be shared to make you understand the contrast, we shall come back to Trinity’s frustration. But is ‘frustration’ the right word here? Perhaps, but the truth is, seeing the salaries in other sports—typically earned by men—can leave women athletes feeling alienated. No wonder the daughter of Dennis Rodman thought of highlighting this issue vocally while speaking on the Call Her Daddy podcast with host Alex Cooper.
When asked about the challenges she faces as a female athlete, Trinity said, “Even just being on media and it’s like obviously NBA, NFL makes way more money, has way more viewers-not taking that away, but seeing the contracts and looking at ours, I’m just like, ‘I’m so grateful to be making the money that I make right now at my age but I look and I’m just like, ‘agh.’”
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via Getty HARRISON, NEW JERSEY – APRIL 17: Trinity Rodman #2 of Washington Spirit looks on against NJ/NY Gotham FC at Red Bull Arena on April 17, 2022 in Harrison, New Jersey. (Photo by Tim Nwachukwu/Getty Images)
The sorrow we can feel in Rodman’s voice. Now, it’s not about men’s soccer making more money than the female game; rather the issue of equal pay has now escalated into a cross-sport debate. Yet, there’s little one can do, as it ultimately comes down to the popularity of each sport. Undoubtedly, the NFL and NBA enjoy a far greater presence compared to the NWSL—or even men’s MLS for that matter—making it a broader inter-sport concern.
For context, the average annual salary for NBA players in the 2024-25 season is approximately $12 million, as reported by Sports Illustrated. In contrast, the salary cap for the 2024 NWSL season stands at just $2,750,000, starkly emphasizing the significant disparity. Unfortunately, there is little that can be done to change this reality, and to make matters worse, this is far from the only challenge facing the women’s game!
It’s not just the pay disparity for Trinity Rodman…
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Continuing with the “What do you think is the hardest part about being a female athlete?” question that Alex Cooper asked in the Call Her Daddy podcast, Trinity Rodman highlighted another harsh reality of representing women’s soccer, even at its highest level. After letting out a big sigh and exclaiming, ‘Oh my gosh,’ the USWNT star fell silent, contemplating the disparity she has personally faced—how so many remain unfamiliar with women’s soccer and fail to give it the recognition it deserves.
“The recognition for one, I think, even just in conversation it’s like, ‘Oh, who do you play for?’ – Spirit – and they’re like ‘What’s that?’ I’m like ‘Ugh’. I don’t know, I would say recognition [is the hardest part of being a female athlete],” admitted the Washington Spirit forward. Again, we must agree, as women’s soccer—particularly its domestic side—still struggles to gain traction among fans.
via Getty ORLANDO, FL – FEBRUARY 16: Trinity Rodman of United States of America during the 2023 SheBelieves Cup match between Canada and United States at Exploria Stadium on February 16, 2023 in Orlando, Florida. (Photo by James Williamson – AMA/Getty Images)
It’s not just soccer but sports of all kinds played across the globe. Whether it’s match attendance, salary contracts, or broadcasting viewership, women’s sports often face significant challenges and fall short compared to their male counterparts. Top it up with pay disparity and you’ve got a serious issue.
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Regardless, share your views on Trinity Rodman’s comments.