Racing Louisville on Thursday announced a new contract with standout midfielder Savannah DeMelo, who agreed to updated terms and triggered an option for the 2026 season by playing in this past Saturday night’s match against Angel City.
The contract upgrade comes amid DeMelo’s NWSL MVP campaign and her rapid rise in the U.S. Women’s National Team. The 25-year-old recently returned from the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup, where she started two games after becoming the first American since Shannon Boxx in 2003 to be called into a World Cup roster without any prior appearances for the national team.
Her previous contract with Racing ran through the 2025 season.
“I am so excited to be extending my contract here in Louisville,” DeMelo said. “This was an easy decision on my end because of how much I love this team and city! I have built so many great connections both on and off the field, and I feel so honored to have the opportunity to continue to grow with this club and fight for trophies.”
“We’re beyond excited to keep building our club’s foundation with Savannah as one of our cornerstone players,” Racing general manager Ryan Dell said. “Savannah’s development since coming to Louisville has truly been outstanding. We know she’ll play a key role in driving our club to great new heights.”
In her second season with Racing, DeMelo has emerged as one of the best players in the NWSL. She has been involved in 12 goals across all competitions, scoring eight, assisting three and converting a penalty that was later determined to be an own goal. She was the NWSL Player of the Month in May and has twice been named to the NWSL Best XI this year, helping Racing reach the UKG NWSL Challenge Cup semifinals.
DeMelo is one of the most well-rounded midfielders in the NWSL, ranking first in fouls won (45), ninth in duels won, 10th in scoring chances created, 12th in shots on target and 24th in tackles won. Her partnership with captain Jaelin Howell and Brazilian international Ary Borges has given Racing one of the top midfield trios in the league.
“I’ve said this before: Savannah’s development has been amazing since she came to the club in 2022,” said Racing coach Kim Björkegren. “I’m so happy with her signing a new contract because it gives us stability and even more time for her to grow in her role. She is already one of the best 10s in the league, and she has the potential to be one of the best 10s in the world.”
The No. 4 pick in the 2022 NWSL Draft, DeMelo started every match for Racing in her rookie season, scoring four goals and notching two assists while leading the league in chances created, fouls won and direct free kick goals. She was the NWSL Rookie of the Month for July and selected for the NWSL Best XI in May.
DeMelo is part of Racing’s foundational nucleus as the club chases its first NWSL postseason appearance in its young three-year history. Borges and Howell are signed through 2025, as are left back Carson Pickett, goalkeeper Katie Lund, forward Paige Monaghan and right back Lauren Milliet.
