The National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) and the NWSL Players Association have made a groundbreaking decision to eliminate the draft and grant free agency to all players, marking a significant move in professional U.S. sports. This move comes as part of a new collective bargaining agreement that extends the current contract until 2030, with the aim of giving players more control over their careers and allowing them to choose where they want to play.
NWSL Commissioner Jessica Berman highlighted the global labor market for talent in women’s soccer, stating that removing the artificial barrier of the draft would position the league more strongly in attracting and retaining the best players in the world. By allowing players to join top clubs around the world, the NWSL hopes to enhance recruitment and create an even playing field with other countries.
The new collective bargaining agreement, announced recently, not only eliminates the draft but also includes other significant changes. It raises the league’s minimum salary from $48,500 in 2025 to $82,500 by 2030. The base salary cap, which designates the pool of money for each team, will increase from $3.3 million in 2025 to $5.1 million in 2030. Moreover, individual players will have no limit on pay, and teams will have the discretion to allocate salaries as they see fit.
The agreement also introduces a revenue-sharing model that allows for the salary cap to increase in the future, giving players the opportunity to benefit from additional sponsorship and media deals. This approach aims to align the players’ interests with the growth of the league and incentivize them to contribute to its success.
The NWSL has been experiencing significant growth in recent years, evident in the surge in attendance, viewership, and team valuations. Angel City FC, for example, became the world’s most valuable women’s sports team after Disney CEO Bob Iger and journalist Willow Bay acquired a controlling stake in the team for $250 million. Additionally, the league secured a media deal worth $240 million over four years, a substantial increase compared to the previous agreement.
Given the recent boom in women’s soccer, the NWSL decided to renegotiate its collective bargaining agreement with the players’ association two years early. This proactive approach aims to provide future investors and partners with more visibility into the league’s business model. By extending the labor agreement, the NWSL aims to build confidence among potential investors, sponsors, and media partners, ensuring a stable and uninterrupted growth trajectory.
NWSL Commissioner Jessica Berman expressed her belief that the upcoming phase of growth will unlock a significant amount of investment and resources. The league’s decision to grant free agency to players and increase salaries demonstrates its commitment to creating a sustainable and competitive environment that attracts top talent and rewards players for their contributions.
Overall, this historic move by the NWSL and the NWSL Players Association marks a significant step forward for women’s professional sports in the United States. By eliminating the draft and granting free agency, the league aims to create a more equitable and globally competitive landscape. With increased salaries, revenue-sharing opportunities, and a focus on long-term stability, the NWSL is positioning itself for continued growth and success in the years to come.
