Mallory Swanson Signs Record Deal To Stay in Chicago

Mallory Swanson did something on Tuesday that her husband, Chicago Cubs shortstop Dansby Swanson, couldn’t do — become the highest-paid player in her sport.

Swanson, a striker for the NWSL’s Chicago Red Stars, signed a four-year deal with a fifth-year option to remain in Chicago, according to multiple reports. The Red Stars did not disclose the terms.

She will make more than $400,000 per year and with the fifth-year option the U.S. National Team member could make $2 million or more during the life of the deal, which ends in 2028 with the option.

Since joining the franchise in 2021 the 25-year-old has 18 goals and 10 assists in 51 games (47 starts).

Swanson is now the highest-paid player in the NWSL, eclipsing the $1.5 million deal that Houston Dash winger Maria Sanchez signed in free agency.

One of the interesting pieces of the deal is the alignment for both athletes, along with the two franchises. The Red Stars are owned by Cubs co-owner and the WNBA Chicago Sky’s minority investor Laura Ricketts.

For the Swansons there is security in both of their deals. Previously, Dansby Swanson cited his wife’s career as part of his logic for signing his seven-year, $177 million deal with the Cubs. Mallory had been traded to Chicago from Sky Blue FC (now NJ/NY Gotham FC) in 2021. It allowed the pair to work and live in the same city, as Dansby Swanson was previously in Atlanta.

They even bought former Cubs president of baseball operations Theo Epstein’s mansion in Lakeview last year.

Dansby Swanson is in the second year of his contract, which ends in 2029. Mallory Swanson’s contract will end one year before his. The deals align to keep the pair in Chicago, barring anything unforeseen.

"Ultimately, I think it kind of like goes back to being in Chicago with Dansby as well,” Mallory Swanson said about the contract. “I've always said that family is the most important thing. I think family comes before my career."

Now, while Dansby Swanson works to get the Cubs into the playoffs in 2024, Mallory Swanson is eager to play after missing most of last year with a patella tendon injury that kept her from playing in the 2023 World Cup.