Portland soccer fans have reason to celebrate this week: the Portland Thorns have extended the contract of Canadian national team captain and midfielder Jessie Fleming through the 2028 season, keeping one of the club’s most prominent players in Rose City for years to come.

Fleming, who serves as captain of the Canadian Women’s National Team (CANWNT), is widely regarded as one of the top midfielders in the National Women’s Soccer League. Her decision to commit her future to Portland signals strong confidence in the direction of the Thorns organization and is welcome news for the club’s passionate fanbase.

The contract extension was reported by multiple outlets on Thursday, July 16, including KGW, KPTV, and All For XI, underscoring the significance of the announcement across local and national soccer media. For Thorns supporters who have watched Fleming orchestrate play from the midfield, the news means they can look forward to seeing her in Providence Park for at least two more seasons.

The Thorns have long been one of the flagship franchises in women’s professional soccer, and retaining a player of Fleming’s caliber reinforces that standing. Her leadership on the field — and her role as a national team captain — brings both competitive firepower and a high-profile presence that helps grow the sport locally and nationally.

With the 2026 season in full swing, the extension gives the team and its fans a boost of stability and excitement heading into the rest of the campaign. Portland’s soccer community, known for some of the loudest and most devoted supporters in the league, will no doubt be buzzing about the news as the Thorns continue their push through the season.

Sources: KGW, All For XI, KPTV