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New NWSL CBA sees pay increased for players, college draft ended and more

By Reuters August 22, 2024
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A historic agreement for the players.
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The National Women's Soccer League and the NWSL Players Association have agreed to a collective bargaining agreement that will eliminate the draft, guarantee contracts and grant unrestricted free agency to all players.

The deal runs through the 2030 season and already has been ratified by the players. It replaces the previous CBA that was set to expire in 2026.

New NWSL CBA details

The terms of the CBA, announced Thursday, also call for increased pay, the addition of some charter flights, and upgraded medical care and family leave.

"Given our vision to be the best league in the world, we determined that this was the right time to align with global standards and achieve long term labor peace. This CBA gives us agency over our business and gives the players agency over their careers," NWSL commissioner Jessica Berman said in a news release. "Our new agreement revolutionizes the game, raises standards, and innovates the business."

The NWSL becomes the first pro sports league in the United States to eliminate all drafts, including the college draft and expansion draft.

"The draft is an antiquated model that empowers teams to decide for players instead of players deciding for themselves," NWSLPA president Tori Huster said in a news release. "Now, players can choose the team environment that fits their needs and maximizes their opportunities. Teams will need to step up to create environments that appeal to players."

Players also will receive an increase in minimum salary, going from $48,500 in 2025 to $82,500 in 2030. There will be no maximum annual salary. Annual salary caps also will rise from $3.3 million to $5.1 million in that span.

NWSL players also will become free agents upon the expiration of their contracts without regard to time played in the league.

Other key issues

  • Players must consent to all trades, intra-league or inter-league transfers.
  • Value of bonuses for achievements such as winning the NWSL Shield and Championship or earning Best XI, Rookie of the Year, Midfielder of the Year, Defender of the Year, Goalkeeper of the Year and the NWSL's Golden Boot will double. The Most Valuable Player award bonus will quadruple.
  • Charter flights will be allowed for up to six legs of the season, with additional flights authorized to ensure player health and safety.
  • Parental leave and childcare benefits will be expanded.
  • Access to mental health services will rise, and mental health leave policies will be expanded.
  • The minimum number of medical care providers per club will rise from six to 10.
  • The number of games to be played annually will increase and the league can create a year-round schedule.

The new CBA will help to boost the NWSL, said Tatjana Haenni, the chief sporting director.

"The NWSL prioritized terms to ensure that the league can attract, develop and retain the most talented players in the world," Haenni said. "Soccer is a uniquely global game with roots in every country, and the new CBA allows us to offer the world's most elite training and playing environment, giving players the ability to succeed at the top national and international competitions."

Other unions congratulated the NWSL on the labor-friendly agreement on Thursday, with the players associations of the NHL and MLS among those to voice support. The AFL-CIO, the largest federation of unions in the United States, also weighed in.

"The @nwsl_players just secured a groundbreaking bargaining agreement that makes them the FIRST American pro sports league to eliminate their draft," the organization posted on social media. "They've set the gold standard to put power back where it belongs: with the players."

--Field Level Media

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