Sophia Wilson picks up option, will play for Thorns in 2026

Sophia Wilson has picked up the player option on her contract and will remain with Portland Thorns FC for the 2026 National Women’s Soccer League season. Sportico has reported that the option is worth a league-record $1 million.

Wilson (née Smith) did not play in 2025 after announcing her pregnancy. She gave birth to her daughter Gianna in September.

“Coming back to Portland is so special to me because Portland is where I started my professional career and where I’ve grown up in a lot of ways,” Wilson said, via a press release. “I’m excited for the city. I love living here. I love the people here. I’m excited to get back with everyone and play in Providence Park and to play in front of the Riveters. There’s no place like it. That is the place to play and I’m excited to be back in it!”

The No. 1 pick in the 2020 NWSL Draft, Wilson quickly shot to stardom and was named Most Valuable Player in 2022. She concluded that season with a goal in the Thorns NWSL Championship win over Kansas City and became the first player to be named MVP of the regular season and NWSL Championship in the same season.

“We are thrilled to have a world-class player like Sophia continue to call Portland her home,” President and General Manager of Soccer Operations Jeff Agoos said, via the same press release. “Sophia is an exceptional global star that can change the game in an instant. She will strengthen our roster’s attack and her return makes our front line one the most formidable in the NWSL.”

Wilson scored 14 goals in 2022, missing the Golden Boot to Alex Morgan’s 15. She took the Boot in 2023 despite scoring only 11. In all she has 44 goals in 75 regular season appearances for the Thorns.

Internationally, Wilson was a major part of the United States women’s national team gold medal in in 2024.

Official contract terms were not announced.