17 hours ago - Sports

Washington Spirit 2026 guide: Home sked, hot tix, players to watch

Anna Spiegel

Washington Spirit soccer players in neon yellow uniforms pose on the field with a banner reading "2025 NWSL Championship"; goalkeeper in red stands among a packed stadium. — The Spirit pause for a pic during last year's championship. Photo: Elsa/NWSL via Getty Images

The Washington Spirit open their season Friday at Audi Field vs. the Portland Thorns — and the match is racing toward a sellout.

Why it matters: Coming off back-to-back championships, with Trinity Rodman locked into a record deal and crowds packing "Rowdy Audi," Spirit games are becoming some of the hottest tickets in the DMV.

The big picture: The Spirit have a record-breaking home slate this year:

At least 17 matches at Audi Field (regular season, plus two Concacaf Champions Cup games).
Add friendlies — and, cleats crossed, playoff matches — and there are more chances than ever to see the squad at home.

⚽ What's new

🤸‍♀️ The Spirit Crew — the NWSL's first co-ed dance team — performing at openers and halftime shows.

A dance crew performs a routine on stage in teal and yellow outfits with purple stripes, in front of a large backdrop that reads "Spirit Crew" in cursive; floral decorations on the sides. — The Spirit Crew, the NWSL's first co-ed dance team. Photo: Courtesy Washington Spirit

🔥 Hot tickets

Mark these on your calendar now:

April 24, 8pm: Kansas City Current (last year's Shield winners; former Spirit star Croix Bethune returns)
July 3, 8pm: Houston Dash, on the eve of America's 250th
Aug. 23, 4pm: 2024 NWSL Championship rematch vs. Orlando Pride
Oct. 17, 12:30pm: 2025 Championship rematch vs. Gotham FC
Nov. 1, 5pm: Decision Day vs. Chicago Stars

Plus: Theme nights and giveaways return, including: Throwback Night (April 24), Women's Empowerment (July 26), "Love is Loud" Pride (Aug. 23) and Spirit & Paws (Sept. 13, dog-friendly).

Paraguayan star Claudia Martinez in a red-and-white striped jersey with blue trim, wearing number 11 and a Paraguay crest, smiling with braces against a dark background with a blurred green-clad teammate. — Paraguayan star Claudia Martinez joins the Spirit on a three-year deal. Photo: Joern Pollex - FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images

👀 Players to watch

Rodman: Last season's championship drama was intense. The contract drama? Maybe even more so.

Rodman signed a record-setting deal worth $2 million annually (plus bonuses), making her the highest-paid player in women's soccer — and still one of the league's most electric stars.

The core is back: Tara Rudd, NWSL Defender of the Year, plus Kate Wiesner and Hal Hershfelt, U.S. national team alums.

New: Claudia Martinez, a teenage Paraguayan phenom on a three-year deal.