Seattle Reign FC Forward Maddie Mercado’s 2027 Player Option Exercised
Reign FC’s leading goal scorer to remain in Seattle through 2027 after player option triggered following her appearance against San Diego Wave FC on September 6; Mercado has scored eight goals during a breakout 2026 campaign and is one of eight NWSL players to score in at least eight different matches this season
Seattle Reign FC today announced that forward Maddie Mercado’s player option for the 2027 NWSL season has been exercised, keeping the club’s leading goal scorer in Seattle through next season. Mercado originally joined Reign FC after being selected with the 27th overall pick in the 2024 NWSL Draft.
The 25-year-old is enjoying the strongest season of her professional career, leading Reign FC with eight goals through 22 matches. One of two players to appear in every match for Seattle this season, Mercado has made 20 starts and totaled 1,810 minutes while leading the team in shots (38) and shots on target (20) and ranking second in duels won (97).
Mercado has emerged as one of Seattle’s most consistent attacking threats during the second half of the season. Since scoring against Portland Thorns FC on July 12, Mercado has recorded at least one goal contribution in seven of 10 matches and is one of just eight NWSL players to score in at least eight different matches this season.
Now in her third season with Reign FC, Mercado has recorded nine goals and two assists in 41 regular season appearances (26 starts), with her nine goals ranking ninth in club history. Eight of those nine goals have come during her breakout 2026 campaign.
After making five appearances as a rookie in 2024, Mercado spent part of the 2025 season on loan with Carolina Ascent FC of the Gainbridge Super League, where she scored four goals in six starts. Since returning to Seattle, Mercado has established herself as a regular in Reign FC’s attack, setting career highs across nearly every major offensive category in 2026.
Reign FC returns to action on Saturday, September 12 against Bay FC at Lumen Field (5:00 p.m. PT / NWSL+), closing out its three-match homestand with the club’s Youth Match. Tickets are still available at ReignFC.com/Tickets.