After finishing the 2024 season in 13th place in the table, this Seattle Reign team really turned things around in 2025 finishing the regular season in 5th place—and then were knocked out in the quarterfinals by Orlando. 

Coming into the start of the 2025 season, a majority of the team returned with only a few new additions in the offseason and the secondary transfer window during the season only saw one new addition — Mia Fishel.  

A majority of the team is signed for 2026, and there aren’t a lot of unused active roster spots available for continued roster evolution so it will be interesting to see what direction general manager Lesle Gallimore and head coach Laura Harvey decide to go in. 

The Positives

One of the biggest things that the Reign has going for it right now is the performance of the younger players on the team. Forward Maddie Dahlien signed a 3-year contract with the club in January and is one of the finalists for NWSL Rookie of the Year. Defender Jordyn Bugg was signed to a 3-year contract mid-way through the 2024 season, but has truly come into her own this season, was named to the Best XI in March and June, and is a finalist for NWSL Defender of the Year. 

The other saving grace for the Reign has been the performance of the starting goalkeeper Claudia Dickey. The club is tied-4th in the league for least goals conceded. Dickey’s performance this year has her as a finalist for NWSL Goalkeeper of the Year and earned her 4 caps with the USWNT as Emma Hayes searches for a front-runner to claim the starting job left empty with Alyssa Naeher’s international retirement.  

The Negatives

Although the club scored five more goals in 2025 compared to 2024, they were still only tied-9th in goals scored this season across all clubs. Of the 30 goals scored in 2025, right now players signed/expected to be on the active roster only make up 20 goals — this does not include Jess Fishlock’s six goals in just the 17 matches she played in while battling injuries. 

The Reign need someone to step up as that clinical finisher in the #9 position. Huitema only scored 3 goals in 2025 in over 1500 minutes, while late addition to the roster Mia Fishel is still looking for her first NWSL goal with only 340 minutes under her belt. 

Roster Flexibility 

Seattle has 22 players signed for 2026 – including Lynn Biyendolo who absolutely best case won’t be re-joining the team from maternity leave until after the summer break (and may not even play during the season). 

Even with 21 spots accounted for, Seattle does have some extra help for signings in the fact that only three of their six international spots are being utilized. 

Up to this point, the club has already re-signed four of their free agents: defenders Ryanne Brown and Emily Mason, midfielder Angharad James-Turner, and forward Maddie Mercado. 

Offseason Priorities

The Reign have five free agents heading into the offseason, not including the three who announced their retirements at the conclusion of the 2025 season. Of the five, two were on loan to end the season, and the best (and maybe only) candidate for potential re-signing is midfielder Jess Fishlock. 

There are also only five midfielders on the roster, so the club should target some additional experienced depth to help grow and guide some of the younger players. Something else to consider is potentially a well-proven finisher to add to the forward group with Biyendolo likely out for the year.