NEW YORK – The National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) and its players have recently come to an agreement on a new collective bargaining agreement that is set to revolutionize the game. This milestone deal eliminates the draft, guarantees all contracts, provides for parental leave and childcare benefits, and promises more money for the players.

The new agreement extends the current contract with the NWSL Players Association by four years and introduces several groundbreaking changes. Notably, there will be no maximum salary, and the minimum salary is set to rise significantly – from $48,500 in 2025 to $82,500 in 2030, the final year of the new CBA. Moreover, a base salary cap of $3.3 million per team in 2025 will increase to $5.1 million in 2030, with a revenue-sharing model that could further boost the cap.

The agreement also includes provisions for mental health services, mental health leave policies, and charter flights for up to six legs per season. Additionally, team medical and training staff will see an increase, ensuring player well-being and optimal performance.

NWSL’s Chief Sporting Director Tatjana Haenni highlighted the league’s commitment to attracting and retaining top talent from around the globe, aiming to provide an elite training and playing environment for players to excel at prestigious national and international competitions.

The agreement also heralds a significant increase in end-of-season competition bonuses, with bonuses doubling for achievements such as the NWSL Shield, Championship, and the Golden Boot. The bonus for the NWSL’s Most Valuable Player award will quadruple, enhancing the recognition and rewards for player excellence.

Players will now have unrestricted free agency and will require consent for all trades, aligning the NWSL with FIFA transfer rules. The deal further allows for more games per year and aims to enhance player accessibility to fans and media, fostering a closer connection between players and their supporters.

NWSL Commissioner Jessica Berman expressed enthusiasm about the new agreement, emphasizing the league’s ambition to become the best in the world. She stated, “Our new agreement revolutionizes the game, raises standards, and innovates the business, setting a new benchmark for women’s soccer globally.”