The NWSL is eliminating its annual draft, raising salaries and effectively granting no-trade clauses to players across the league, all as part of the new labor agreement that was quietly announced. ratified Earlier this month.
The deal includes some of the most player-focused language of any labor agreement at major U.S. sports teams, and notably moves the NWSL toward adopting the more traditional female soccer player contracts typically seen in Europe. Beginning next year, for example, any trade or transfer will require the consent of the players. All contracts will be guaranteed.
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The details highlight how quickly the NWSLPA has been able to secure profits as the league’s business opportunities (and valuations) have rapidly increased. increaseThe current NWSL collective bargaining agreement, signed in April 2022, was the first in league history. The NWSL had its first free agency period just two years ago; now all players have been granted unrestricted free agency.
The deal was negotiated over the past year, even though the league’s current CBA doesn’t expire until after the 2026 season (Sports He was the first to tomyport The deal now expires at the end of the 2030 season, a critical extension for league owners. Players are making obvious gains in several critical categories, but owners are ensuring labor peace long after their next major media negotiations — a stability that will prove valuable years from now when those talks begin.
“This CBA gives us autonomy over our business and gives players autonomy over their careers,” NWSL Commissioner Jessica Berman said in a statement.
The NWSL’s rapid commercial growth is well documented, but the league is also keeping a wary eye on Europe, where some of soccer’s biggest brands are beginning to invest more heavily in their long-ignored women’s teams. The NWSL and the Women’s Super League in England are increasingly competing for talent, a commercial rivalry that many expect to become more direct in the coming years. Shortly after Chelsea beat NJ/NY Gotham FC earlier this week, the WSL’s official Twitter account posted a video of the league’s top talent. aware“Does that settle the debate then?” along with a winking emoji.
Some of the details of this CBA (such as eliminating the draft, guaranteeing all player contracts, and no-trade clauses) are in line with what is already offered in Europe. NWSL owners have agreed to align the league’s standard player contract with FIFA’s Regulations on the Status and Transfer of Players (RSTP), bringing the league closer to the traditional structure of soccer and away from the more American-style framework seen in leagues like the NBA or MLS.
Below are some other details of the new CBA:
The league’s base salary cap will rise from $2.75 million this year to $3.3 million next year. It will continue to rise at predetermined levels throughout the deal, up to $5.1 million in 2030.
In addition to the base cap, the league agreed to a supplement based on the NWSL’s advertising and sponsorship revenue from the previous year. While details were not disclosed, the revenue-sharing portion is a first for the league and should encourage greater alignment between the two parties.
The league’s minimum salary will rise from $35,000 this season to $48,500 next season. It will increase each year until it reaches $82,500 in 2030. That means minimum salaries will increase by 135% over a seven-year period.
Charter flights, currently banned except in a few specific cases, will now be allowed for up to six legs within a season, in addition to other unspecified cases. Last year, the league fined the Kansas City Current More than $55,000 for unauthorized chartering.
The NWSL will have exclusive rights to commercialize player performance data.
The bonus players earn for awards such as Rookie of the Year (currently $5,000) or Golden Boot ($5,000) will double in 2027. The league MVP bonus ($5,000) will quadruple.
Parental leave and child care benefits are being expanded, as are requirements for health care professionals such as trainers and physical therapists.
The new agreement has no age limits for players, in line with the current agreement.
This CBA comes amid a surge in public interest in both women’s sports and the NWSL, which has dramatically impacted the market for teams. In January 2022, when the current agreement was signed, most NWSL franchises were valued in the single-digit millions. Now the average team value is 66 million dollarsaccording SportsThe San Diego Wave issues sold out earlier this year for 113 million dollarsWillow Bay and Bob Iger are purchasing a controlling stake in Angel City FC in a 250 million dollars deal.
The league is also in the midst of negotiations to expand. Groups from several cities, including Cincinnati and Denver, met with the NWSL in New York this week. The latest round of expansion teams sold for $53 million.
The NWSL’s rapid extension, well before the current agreement expires, could stand in stark contrast to what may happen with the WNBA, which is also experiencing business growth and rising valuations. Most experts expect the league’s players to opt out from their current CBA as soon as they can to push for better terms. WNBPA chief Terri Carmichael Jackson offered a preview of those talks last month when she accused the NBA of undervaluing The WNBA in its most recent talks with the media.
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