The Portland Thorns have confirmed that forward Sophia Wilson has been removed from the National Women’s Soccer League maternity leave list and is now eligible for selection ahead of the 2026 NWSL season.
Wilson’s change in status means she can rejoin full team activities and be considered for upcoming matchday squads as the Thorns prepare for the new campaign. The club’s announcement on Thursday marks the formal end of her maternity leave designation and opens the door for her return to competitive action once she is fully integrated back into training and deemed ready by the coaching staff.
Being placed on the NWSL’s maternity leave list allows players to step away from competition for pregnancy and postpartum recovery while maintaining a defined path back to the league. Removal from that list is a procedural step that signifies a player is available to participate again, though it does not guarantee immediate minutes or a specific role in the lineup. Those decisions typically depend on fitness levels, tactical plans, and overall squad needs.
For Portland, Wilson’s availability adds another attacking option as the team shapes its roster and depth chart for the 2026 season. The Thorns will be able to evaluate her form and conditioning in training and adjust their plans accordingly as they move closer to opening day.
The club did not release additional details regarding Wilson’s individual return timeline to the starting XI or her expected workload in early-season matches. However, her clearance to be selected is a significant administrative and competitive step, signaling that she can re-enter team preparations without the roster restrictions associated with maternity leave.
As preseason and early training sessions continue, Portland will now have the opportunity to gradually reintegrate Wilson into its system, with her status officially shifted from leave to active availability entering the 2026 NWSL campaign.
