The Chicago Red Stars have signed Mallory Swanson to a historic long-term contract, making it the most lucrative agreement in the history of the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) seeing the forward signed with the Red Stars through 2028. 

Swanson joined the Red Stars in 2021 from Sky Blue FC (now New Jersey/New York Gotham FC). Since then, the Colorado native has led the team in goals scored (18) and assists (10) and made 51 appearances with 47 starts across all competitions with the Red Stars.  

In Swanson’s first season with the club, the forward helped lead the team to its sixth-consecutive playoff appearance and a postseason run that started with a matchup against Swanson’s former team. The match was deadlocked until the 60th minute when Swanson received a ball from midfielder, Sarah Woldmoe, inside the 18-yard box and curved her shot past the keeper to move Chicago into the next round of the playoffs. 

“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,” said Swanson. “I am looking forward to getting to work and helping the team win championships. See everyone soon!” 

Swanson followed up her strong performance in 2021 with the best season of her young career in 2022. That season, Swanson scored 11 goals in 16 matches, including a pair of goals against the Kansas City Current. Swanson’s performance that season earned her Player of the Week (week 4) and Best XI of the Month (May, June) honors as well as a spot on the league’s annual Best XI first team for the first time in her career. 

“The Red Stars could not be more excited that Mallory Swanson has decided to extend her career with us here in Chicago,” said Chicago Red Stars president, Karen Leetzow. “Mallory exemplifies the grit, focus and resiliency of our franchise and is an anchor for this team. Mal is a born leader on and off the field and I look forward to working with her to make the Red Stars a championship team.” 

On the International level, Swanson has played with the United States Women’s National Team (USWNT) since she was 17 years old. A Women’s World Cup Champion with the 2019 USWNT, Swanson has made 88 appearances and scored 32 goals with 27 assists with the national team. Despite suffering an injury in April that sidelined the forward for the rest of the year, Swanson ended 2023 as the United States’ top goal scorer having scored seven goals in six appearances. 

The NWSL 2024 season kicks off Saturday, March 16. Red Stars season tickets are available now at ChicagoRedStars.com/tickets.