Lauletta: Three questions about the new NWSL CBA

Portland Thorns FC forward Sophia Smith (middle) and midfielder Sam Coffey (right) greet teammates before a match against NJ/NY Gotham FC at Red Bull Arena on Aug. 24, 2024 in Harrison, N.J. (Photo credit: Vincent Carchietta-USA TODAY Sports)

The National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) and its Players Association (NWSLPA) announced a collective bargaining agreement (CBA) on Thursday that will dramatically reshape the way the league and its clubs do business with players. With no deadline or threat of a labor war, the two sides extended their peace through at least 2028, but likely the end of the decade, positioning NWSL to continue capitalizing on its recent boom.

The most notable element included in the new CBA — which became effective immediately — is the elimination of the college draft and the onset of unlimited free agency for players who are out of contract. That means players coming out of college will now negotiate their own contracts to enter the league with any team they can find an agreement with. NWSL’s structure is now in line with its European counterparts, as well as the fledgling USL Super League.

Here are three questions to ponder from a development that has been seen as almost universally positive.