October 26: The National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) and the NWSL Players Association have reached an agreement that resolves six pending complaints, including a change that removes eligibility requirements for the High Impact Player (HIP) rule starting in 2027.
The HIP rule allows teams to spend up to $1 million over the salary cap on qualified players. Until now, players had to meet established commercial or sporting criteria. As of 2027, these restrictions are gone.
The settlement also covers commissioner Jessica Berman’s rejection of the Washington Spirit’s initial contract with Trinity Rodman and the league’s shoe brand deal. It expands performance bonus opportunities and increases transparency about income-sharing contributions to the salary cap.
The union said the deal guarantees “significant gains in player compensation, financial transparency and contractual protections,” following a series of grievances challenging the league’s “unilateral decision-making and enforcement of provisions” in the CBA.
“This agreement is about giving the players a voice in shaping the future of this league,” said Meghann Burke, the union’s executive director. “The players have earned a seat at the bargaining table and our Union will enforce it. This agreement shows that what’s good for the players is good for the NWSL and the game.”
NWSL Executive Vice President Bill Ordower said: “Disagreements are a natural part of any mature working relationship, especially in a league that is growing and evolving as rapidly as ours. What matters is how they are worked through. This agreement gives players, clubs and the league more clarity and certainty moving forward, while protecting the integrity and competitive balance that are critical to the NWSL.”
The deal follows months of arbitration.
The removal of HIP restrictions gives clubs more freedom to pay star players, which could matter as the league expands to 20 teams and competes with overseas clubs for top talent.
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