Sophia Smith's Contract Update + Media Session Takeaways
Sophia Smith's Contract Update + Media Session Takeaways
In the final media availability before the the season opener at Kansas City Current, we hear from: Jessie Fleming, Janine Beckie, Isabella Obaze, Morgan Weaver, Mike Norris, and Karina LeBlanc.
The Portland Thorns held their final preseason media availability ahead of their 2024 NWSL season opener at Kansas City, and plenty of news was shared.
The President of Thorns FC Operations and General Manager, Karina LeBlanc, confirmed Tuesday afternoon that the club is in ongoing talks with Sophia Smith on a brand new contract.
"Everyone wants Sophia Smith here. Ownership wants her here too. It’s one of those things, the players have free agency now so the processes they go through are different.” said LeBlanc. “We obviously want her here, she knows that. The club wants her here."
If a new contract is not struck, the megastar will be the biggest name to hit free agency/transfer market at the end of the season. Smith and her reps have all the negotiating leverage. From a financial sense, it makes little sense for her to ink a new deal right away. One thing is clear though, the front office and Bhathals will do whatever it takes to bring back #9. It is one of their top priorities alongside a new state-of-the-art training facility.
Bringing Sophia Smith back will be need to be a group effort. It’ll take ownership, front office, community, and fans.
"I love playing here” said the former NWSL MVP. “They make you feel appreciated & loved & wanted here. I think that's the best feeling ever.”
The Portland Thorns kick off their season opener Saturday, 10am PT in Kansas City against the Current on ABC. NWSL’s media deal is starting off with a huge splash. Angie and Chris Long and the Kansas City Current are making history as the first ever women’s sports team to have their very own stadium. CPKC Stadium will be the beacon of light and shining jewel in the world for everything it represents. The league chose the winningest team in history, Portland Thorns, to be their counterpart in a historic game. Although there are a ton of streaming services required for the league this year, the visibility of the NWSL is at an all time high.
On Tuesday, the club hosted the media availability before the season opener. We spoke with Janine Beckie, Jessie Fleming, Isabella Obaze, Morgan Weaver, Mike Norris, and Karina LeBlanc.
Janine Beckie has worked tirelessly and relentlessly to come back from an ACL tear suffered last year in preseason. This player has been a professional at the highest levels through it all. She was with the team for much of the 2023 season to support and be there for everyone. Beckie has become a vocal leader on the team and she often leads by example too.
"Definitely the hardest thing physically I've ever had to go through and I'd make the argument for mentally, probably more than physically" said the Canadian international.
On Saturday, it would mark one year and one day since her injury. Beckie credits the training staffs for both club and country for helping her recover. She is excited to get back on the pitch and get back to playing the game she loves.
“It would mean the world to me to get minutes” said the Portland Thorns winger.
Beckie and her Thorns teammates are excited to take part in a historic match on national television.
“I think it’s a testament to where the game has gone” said Beckie. “Credit to the owners over there in Kansas City and that club for putting money towards creating a special environment for the game. I feel very honored that as Thorns, we get to participate in the first game at that stadium.”
The Portland Thorns and the Bhathals have met on several occasions, including down in Palm Springs during preseason, to lay out their plans for years down the road.
If there is a player who deserves a roar when she step onto the pitch at Providence Park again, it’ll be her. Beckie expressed how special it’ll be back in front of supporters as a player, again.
Fun News: Janine Beckie recently got engaged, and she shared some wedding planning tips along which teammates could be part of it. We wish the couple a lifetime of happiness!
On January 23, 2024 Jessie Fleming transferred from Chelsea to Portland Thorns FC as the most expensive acquisition (£250,000) in NWSL history (at the time).
One of the key factors in her making the move was the midfield.
"There's a lot of potential for us to grow as a unit. It's a big part of the reason why I came to Portland to play with our midfield. I'm just really excited” said the captain of the Canadian National Team.
Fleming was excited when the opportunity came up. She has felt very welcomed so far and is still getting settled since most of her time recently was playing for Canada at the W Gold Cup.
The season opener at CPKC Stadium is a first experience of that nature for her, but one she is looking forward to.
“It’s really exciting to be playing in a women’s specific stadium. That’ll be my first time and I guess the first time. It’s really cool to be a part of that day” said Fleming.
She reiterates how much the NWSL is growing and the amount of players coming to play as a huge boost.
Fun Fact: Jessie Fleming is a photographer.
Where did the “Jeffrey” nickname come from? Answer!
Huge props for doing the interview in the sun then rain.
Karina LeBlanc and Mike Norris would be the final ones up for media availability. They shared a bunch of updates and statuses.
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