The National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) and its players have come to a new collective bargaining agreement that brings about significant changes. The agreement, extending the current contract by four years with the NWSL Players Association, scraps the draft, guarantees all contracts, introduces parental leave, childcare benefits, and increases player salaries.
Under the new deal, there will be no maximum salary, and the minimum salary will progressively increase from $48,500 in 2025 to $82,500 in 2030. Moreover, a base salary cap per team will start at $3.3 million in 2025, rising to $5.1 million in 2030, with the potential for further escalation through a revenue-sharing model.
The new agreement also focuses on improving mental health support, allowing for mental health leave, authorizing up to six charter flights per season, and expanding team medical and training personnel. Additionally, it doubles end-of-season competition bonuses and quadruples the bonus for the NWSL’s Most Valuable Player award starting in 2027.
By aligning NWSL owners with FIFA transfer rules, the agreement now necessitates player consent for all trades within or between leagues, enabling unrestricted free agency. It also increases the number of games per year and pledges to enhance player accessibility to fans and media.
NWSL’s Chief Sporting Director, Tatjana Haenni, emphasized that the new CBA aims to attract, nurture, and retain top talent globally, enabling players to excel in both national and international competitions. Commissioner Jessica Berman stated that the agreement signifies a step towards aligning with global standards, elevating the league’s stature, and fostering long-term labor harmony.
