The NWSL is the top league in the U.S.A. right now, even getting more traction than the MLS. Although it might sound like a wild take to some, the investments in the league sound exciting. Accordingly, one would automatically step back and take notice of the improvements. They have high attendance in most games, with around 15k+ attendance averages in most stadiums. On top of that, the NWSL announced some rule changes for the future.

Like every league, they create these rules for the betterment of the league and for the players to have their say. We all know the draft system is common in American sports. Well, that won’t work in NWSL anymore. It becomes the first American professional league to abolish the draft system. They negotiated the deal two years ahead of the original CBA, expiring in 2026. In the new format, draft events are eliminated, and they have introduced free agency to grant players more autonomy.

Meanwhile, the first CBA between the PA and NWSL has points related to free housing, parental leave, etc. But, one can say, more wins arise for the 2.0 version of the CBA. So, let’s look at the other changes planned for the NWSL. Sure to say, there are various interesting changes.

Major highlights from the CBA between NWSL and PA

Free agency and contract negotiations:

The league has tried hard to level with the FIFA regulations. Unrestricted free agency and guaranteed contracts will be accessible to every player. Previously, there was a roll-out over four years for players entering free agency. With this new rule, players have the ball in their court to choose their own soccer clubs. It’s more prevalent in European soccer and they are trying to bridge the gap between the two soccer continents. If a player’s contract expires at the end of the season, they have the freedom to negotiate another contract. It’s common in Europe.

It can help the league work closely with the global soccer market following the same approach. The guaranteed contracts offer job security for the players if they meet with injury incidents when they are on contract.

Elimination of drafts along with trade protocol changes:

According to Tori Huster, president of NWSLPA, the draft system is set to be modified because of its complex nature. She described, “The draft is an antiquated model that empowers teams to decide for players instead of players deciding for themselves. Now, players can choose the team environment that fits their needs and maximizes their opportunities.”

Earlier, players didn’t have a say in the draft and could be relocated without consent. Times have changed. Players have the power and they can choose the teams they need to play. Compared to Europe, abolishing the draft system will require teams to create a suitable environment, be it a stadium or training facilities. The club should market its image to attract soccer players to share their goals with them. On the other hand, the U-18 mechanism will still prevail as an entry pathway to the league. At a time when expansion drafts were welcomed with anxious uncertainty regarding the players’ lives will now have better safety.

Better travel policies and player-friendly workload:

In the US, transportation has always posed a significant challenge for sports teams. Considering the wide geography of the U.S.A., players take long flights, which often become strenuous. NBA announced better policies to ease travel concerns by keeping back-to-back games between Eastern and Western conference teams. Likewise, the selective use of chartered flights comes into play with the new travel accommodating protocols set up. They’re permitting charter flights for six legs, which amounts to three round trips for the entire season.

Moreover, midweek matches will also require charter travel, which they will address. They also addressed workload management with the league having mid-season breaks. The league plans to address game frequency, offering better rest, and a minimum 28-day off for the offseason for the players to recover and rest. Under specific conditions, around 38 to 42 games will be played each season.

Revenue sharing comes to the forefront:

In a groundbreaking development, the newly negotiated salary cap is now linked to revenue sharing and a minimum base salary cap. The clubs will align with spending to a limit in a way they can offer player compensation. Auditing rights will determine compliance with the provision, bringing more stability upfront. It becomes crucial for the league’s health.

Salary and salary caps increases ensuring fairness in NWSL:

Salaries have always been a cause for concern but the new regulations will ensure fairness to every player. The minimum league salary will double throughout the CBA and climb from $48,500 to $82,500 in 2030. It’s a fair rise in salaries that offers better job security to the players. The base salary will also increase every year with two peripherals in place. They will establish a base cap at set levels and incorporate an additional component determined by the previous year’s sponsorship and media revenue. It ensures a fair approach that is respected in the current market.

The salary caps of the league will increase from $3.3 million to $5.1 million by 2030 for better revenue-sharing models. However, the teams have the right to raise the salary cap they want. The unique sponsorship shareable revenues would fetch at least $200,000 to the base salary cap.

According to CBS Sports, the base salary caps each year will be:

• 2025: $3.3 million
• 2026: $3.5 million
• 2027: $4.4 million
• 2028: $4.7 million
• 2029: $4.9 million
• 2030: $5.1 million

The gap between European and American soccer narrows down, with these new rule amendments. It presents a more favorable chance for players to showcase their abilities and secure their future. Therefore, the league is entering unchartered territory, which speaks volumes of the rapid growth of the NWSL.