Bugg is having a week to remember signing a massive contract extension and being selected for the U.S. U-23 USWNT.
It all started on July 19, 2024 with the use of the NWSL’s Under-18 Entry Mechanism, Seattle Reign would find their heir apparent to club legend, Lauren “Lu” Barnes, who played 13 seasons for the club.
Today, the Seattle Reign announced that they signed defender Jordyn Bugg to a multi-year contract extension through the 2030 NWSL season.
“Seattle gave me an opportunity to become a professional at such a young age, and I’m really grateful for the trust this club has put in me from the beginning,” Bugg said. “I’ve already grown so much here as a player and as a person, but I also feel like I’m just getting started.”
This move solidifies central defense for the Pacific Northwest club for the next four seasons. That contract also makes her the club’s longest contracted player, alongside goalkeeper Evan O’Steen.
At just 20-years old, Bugg plays well-beyond her years, is considered a future star for the USWNT and a franchise cornerstone for Seattle.
“Jordyn represents so much of what we believe in and where we want this club to go,” Seattle Reign FC General Manager Lesle Gallimore said. “She has already established herself as one of the top young defenders in our league, and her maturity, competitiveness and commitment to getting better every day give us tremendous belief in what she can become.”
Jordyn Bugg’s ‘exceptional’ defensive stats speak for themselves
In just three seasons, the center back has already accomplished so much—she was the youngest finalist for NWSL Defender of the Year, youngest player selected to NWST Best XI Second Team, and a two-time finalist for U.S. Soccer’s Young Female Player of the Year.
How did she already reach such a high level early in her professional career? Seattle Reign head coach Laura Harvey believes Bugg is only scratching the surface of her potential.
“Jordyn’s understanding of the game, composure and ability to defend at a high level are exceptional, especially at this stage of her career,” Harvey said. “She’s already accomplished so much, but what’s most exciting is knowing there’s still another level she can reach.”
If we look at the metrics, the defender is the top 15 for nearly all of them.
Here is where she stacks up with other central defenders per 90:
- Third in defensive contributions
- Fourth in tackles
- Eighth in recoveries
- 10th in blocks
- 10th in accurate long balls
- 11th in clearances
- 11th in accurate passes
- 12th in interceptions
Whether it’s as a defender or a playmaker, she has the complete package and skillset that can dominate and suffocate attackers.
Internationally, she has already earned six caps for the USWNT with many more likely on the horizon.
After over a decade with Lauren Barnes, the torch has passed onto young defender Jordyn Bugg. The Seattle Reign defense is in excellent hands with a rising star who has only just scratched the surface of her full potential which should put fear into attackers across the NWSL.