Current:Home > StocksNWSL scraps draft in new CBA, a first in US but typical elsewhere in soccer -ProfitQuest Academy
NWSL scraps draft in new CBA, a first in US but typical elsewhere in soccer
View
Date:2025-04-14 16:54:03
The NWSL is scrapping its draft and moving to unrestricted free agency in its new collective bargaining agreement, a first for a major American professional sports league.
The move puts the NWSL in alignment with most other soccer leagues around the world and comes as the league faces increasing competition from England and Spain.
"This was the right time to align with global standards and achieve long term labor peace," NWSL commissioner Jessica Berman said in a statement. "This CBA gives us agency over our business and gives the players agency over their careers."
The current CBA, the first in league history, was not due to expire until after the 2026 season. The new agreement with the NWSL Players Association, announced Thursday morning, extends the current contract for four years, until 2030.
It includes a significant increase in the salary cap, from $3.3 million next season to at least $5.1 million in 2030, with additional increases expected as revenues from sponsors and broadcast deals rise. There is no cap on what a player can make, and the league-minimum salary will increase from $48,500 next year to $82,500 in 2030. All contracts will be guaranteed and players must approve of any trades, long a point of contention.
The bonus for Most Valuable Player will quadruple beginning in 2027, and most other end-of-season awards will double.
The NWSL and NWSLPA also agreed to increase the number of health professionals each club is required to have from six to 10. That includes team physicians, athletic trainers, physical therapist, licensed mental health provider and massage therapists. The CBA also calls for charter flights to be used on up to six legs during the season, as well as other scenarios to protect the health and safety of players.
Those two conditions could be factors as the NWSL competes with European clubs for players. Though European clubs can entice players with the chance to play in the Champions League and for some of the most storied names in the game, the NWSL can often offer better working conditions.
The Kansas City Current, for example, opened the first purpose-built stadium for a women’s team this season and also has its own practice facility. Expansion team Bay Area FC also has its own practice facility, and the Chicago Red Stars are looking for a site within the city limits where the team could both practice and play.
"The NWSL prioritized terms to ensure that the league can attract, develop and retain the most talented players in the world," Tatjana Haenni, the NWSL’s chief sporting director, said in a statement. "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."
The USA TODAY app gets you to the heart of the news — fast.Download for award-winning coverage, crosswords, audio storytelling, the eNewspaper and more.
veryGood! (8)
Related
- IRS recovers $4.7 billion in back taxes and braces for cuts with Trump and GOP in power
- Armie Hammer and Elizabeth Chambers Settle Divorce 3 Years After Breakup
- International Yoga Day: Shop 10 Practice Must-Haves for Finding Your Flow
- How to avoid being scammed when you want to donate to a charity
- Former longtime South Carolina congressman John Spratt dies at 82
- The EPA Is Asking a Virgin Islands Refinery for Information on its Spattering of Neighbors With Oil
- Missing Titanic Sub: Cardi B Slams Billionaire's Stepson for Attending Blink-182 Concert Amid Search
- Beyoncé's Renaissance tour is Ticketmaster's next big test. Fans are already stressed
- Selena Gomez's "Weird Uncles" Steve Martin and Martin Short React to Her Engagement
- See the Cast of Camp Rock, Then & Now
Ranking
- Civic engagement nonprofits say democracy needs support in between big elections. Do funders agree?
- Here's what the latest inflation report means for your money
- Gunman who killed 11 people at Pittsburgh synagogue is found eligible for death penalty
- Big Reefs in Big Trouble: New Research Tracks a 50 Percent Decline in Living Coral Since the 1950s
- Former Danish minister for Greenland discusses Trump's push to acquire island
- Kim Kardashian Reveals Why She Deleted TikTok of North West Rapping Ice Spice Lyrics
- Missing Titanic Tourist Submersible: Identities of People Onboard Revealed
- Disney CEO Bob Iger extends contract for an additional 2 years, through 2026
Recommendation
'Vanderpump Rules' star DJ James Kennedy arrested on domestic violence charges
These $19 Lounge Shorts With Pockets Have 13,300+ 5-Star Amazon Reviews
Are You Ready? The Trailer for Zoey 102 Is Officially Here
A new bill in Florida would give the governor control of Disney's governing district
Paige Bueckers vs. Hannah Hidalgo highlights women's basketball games to watch
Is Jenna Ortega Returning to You? Watch the Eyebrow-Raising Teaser for Season 5
Trump sues Bob Woodward for releasing audio of their interviews without permission
This doctor wants to prescribe a cure for homelessness