United States women’s national team striker Mallory Swanson signed a record-setting contract with the Chicago Red Stars, the club announced on Tuesday. The striker will stay in Chicago through 2028 on a four deal with a fifth-year option, a newly allowed league contract.
The deal’s terms will make Swanson the highest paid athlete in the league, surpassing a recent deal signed by Houston Dash winger Maria Sanchez. The Mexican international resigned a three-year contract through free agency reportedly worth $1.5 million. CBS Sports understands Swanson’s contract is thought to be more than $400,000 per year, and would put her deal toward the $2 million mark.
Swanson was previously traded to Chicago in 2021 from Sky Blue FC (now NJ/NY Gotham FC), and her latest contract is the first official USWNT player signing for the club under a new Red Stars ownership group. MLB Chicago Cubs co-owner and WNBA Chicago Sky minority investor Laura Ricketts led a collective of investors that finalized the sale in October 2023.
Ricketts and the group have since hired a new club president, Karen Leetzow, and they are working toward rebuilding and establishing a new club culture. With this groundbreaking contract, Swanson is…
