From Staff Reports
Chicago Red Stars forward Mallory Swanson has re-signed with the franchise in what is reportedly the richest deal in NWSL history.
Swanson, who was a free agent for the first time in her career this offseason, agreed to stay in Chicago on a deal worth a reported $2 million, including a fifth-year option.
“I am excited to be back with the Red Stars! These last few years have been such a blessing in Chicago, even with the ups and downs, and I can’t wait to be back,” Swanson stated in a post on the team’s website. “I am looking forward to getting to work and helping the team win championships.”
Swanson, who also plays for the U.S. Women’s National Team, joined the Red Stars as a free agent signing in 2021. She is signed through 2028, giving her the longest-term deal in NWSL history as well as making her the league’s highest-paid player over the course of a contract, according to media reports.
Houston winger Maria Sanchez recently signed a deal worth a reported $1.5 million over three years.
Swanson has 18 goals and 10 assists in 51 appearances (47 starts) over three years across all competitions with the Stars. She sustained a season-ending injury in the second game of the 2023 season, and that also kept her out of last year’s Women’s World Cup
Swanson is married to Chicago Cubs shortstop Dansby Swanson.
The Red Stars, in their first offseason under a new ownership group led by Susan Ricketts, have been busy. In addition to re-signing one the NWSL’s top goal-scorers, Chicago traded the third overall pick in the 2024 draft to Washington for Sam Staab.
Staab was a finalist for the league’s Defender of the Year award in 2023 and is a three-time NWSL Ironwoman, a designation to players who play every available minute. She holds the league record for most consecutive regular-season starts with 90.