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Photo Copyright Kirby Lee for USA TODAY Sports
History was made on Thursday as the National Women’s Soccer League and its Players Association announced a new Collective Bargaining Agreement that will be in place through 2030.
Chief among the changes is the elimination of both the college and expansion drafts, effective immediately. While the lack of a college draft isn’t new to soccer, it’s a major moment for the NWSL. The league is now the first in major league pro sports in the U.S. to eliminate a collegiate draft.
It might not be an entirely surprising move for those who have been following the NWSL for a while. Back in December, criticisms arose around the expansion draft from players and coaches.
At the time, Sean Nahas of the North Carolina Courage and Laura Harvey of the Seattle Reign condemned the draft over the lack of control given to players and existing teams. Harvey said that she “disliked” the expansion draft while Nahas even went as far as saying that “there needs to be another way.”
“I don’t think people actually realize the damage that is created by this process and what it does to players, clubs and those relationships. We should be protecting the league and not 9 players per roster,” Nahas wrote on X, formerly known as Twitter.
Similar rhetoric was applied on Thursday in the NWSLPA’s release announcing the new CBA.
“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 the 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.”
Player trades, often without their consent, would also happen around drafts and in the offseason. Lynn Williams for example was traded to Gotham FC in 2023 while with the U.S. women’s national team. To her surprise, this past offseason, CeCe Kizer was traded to Houston from Kansas City. Now, players must consent to all trades under the new deal.
Additionally, all players become free agents when their contracts expire. It’s a similar model found in soccer leagues around the world. That, plus guaranteed contracts, bring the league’s standard contracts in line with FIFA’s Regulations on the Status and Transfer of Players (RSTP).
“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,” NWSL commissioner Jessica Berman said in a release. “This CBA gives us agency over our business and gives the players agency over their careers. Our new agreement revolutionizes the game, raises standards, and innovates the business.”
Salaries will increase substantially under the new CBA, with the base salary cap increasing from $3.3 million in 2025 to $5.1 million by 2030. While the minimum salary will be raised significantly, there also will not be a limit on an individual player’s maximum salary.
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Additionally, players will share revenue with the league, meaning they will receive funds from prior year sponsorship and media rights agreements. Negotiations can be reopened if those revenues exceed $300 million in either 2028 or 2029.
Additionally, conditions were put in for workload management. There are now minimum standards for charter flights, which include six legs – or three round trips – of charter “as a matter of right.” Certain midweek games will require charters. Additionally, players have been “assured of the midseason break.”
Other improvements for player safety include upping the number of healthcare professionals required to be on staff from six to 10.
“The NWSL prioritized terms to ensure that the league can attract, develop and retain the most talented players in the world,” NWSL chief sporting director Tatjana 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.”
NWSLPA Vice President Simone Charley said that the new deal will help to “ensure the league’s long-term success.”
“When the players win, everyone wins,” she said.
