Draft Abolished and Player Salaries Raised in New CBA Agreement Between NWSL and Players Association

The National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) and the NWSL Players Association have finalized a new collective bargaining agreement (CBA) that introduces several changes, including the elimination of the draft system. This agreement, effective until 2030, marks the NWSL as the first major American professional sports league to abandon its player draft.

The NWSL Players Association’s president, Tori Huster, criticized the draft as an outdated practice, asserting that it restricted players’ choices about their careers. Huster emphasized that with the new CBA, players now have the freedom to select teams that best suit their needs and maximize their opportunities, thereby compelling teams to improve their environments to attract top talent.

Under the new CBA, player salaries are set to increase, with the minimum salary rising and no cap on the maximum salary for individual players. Additionally, the team salary cap will see a nearly 55% increase over the agreement’s duration, growing from $3.3 million in 2025 to $5.1 million by 2030.

The agreement also enhances parental leave and childcare benefits, and introduces expanded charter flight provisions, allowing for up to six legs per season and additional flights as necessary to meet player health and safety requirements.

The updated CBA further addresses player mobility by introducing unrestricted free agency and guaranteeing all contracts. Any trade or transfer, whether within or outside the league, will now require player approval. This change aligns the NWSL’s practices with FIFA regulations concerning player status and transfers.

NWSL Commissioner Jessica Berman highlighted that this agreement aligns the league with global standards and aims to ensure long-term labor peace. Berman praised the new CBA for giving both the league and players greater control over their respective domains, revolutionizing the game, and enhancing all standards.