Sophia Smith signs contract extension with Portland for highest annual NWSL salary

Sophia Smith had options but in the end felt like she "wasn't done" in Portland.

The Thorns announced Wednesday that they signed Smith to a contract extension through 2025, with a player option for 2026. Portland says the deal gives the 23-year-old forward the highest annual salary in the National Women's Soccer League but would not disclose terms.

"I've felt so welcomed and so loved and so believed in, and I just felt like I wasn't done here. And there's still things that I want to do with this team and this club and trophies I want to win," she said. "And just with new ownership coming in, I have already felt that this club is just going in the right direction."

The Thorns were sold in January to the Bhathal family, which is also part of the ownership group of the NBA's Sacramento Kings.

“I just feel like people here believe in me. The fans here are so passionate about this team, and I really just don’t think there’s any place like that… and I’m just not ready to leave that.”