NWSL Salaries – How Much Do Female Soccer Stars Earn in US?

The upcoming National Women’s Soccer League season is on the horizon. The tenth edition of the prestigious tournament will kick-start on the 16th of March as KC Current faces Portland Thorns. With a fresh NWSL season at our hands, fans will be eager to see new rivalries, new matches, and new players in action. However, the fans aren’t the only ones who will witness something new!

The regulatory framework for women’s soccer has been revamped across the United States, paving the way for a more competitive and inclusive landscape. NWSL made multiple massive announcements earlier in January, making crucial changes to its existing roster laws. The substantial change saw new salary caps for franchises all across the board. Teams now boast a $2.75 million per annum. While this may still pale in comparison to what the men make, it’s a step in the positive direction.

NWSL has a long way to go…

Before the upcoming edition, NWSL franchises were allowed just $1.375 million per annum. The new laws allow teams to pay players a better deal, something that was right on display just weeks after the change to the salary cap guidelines. Chicago Reds star Mal Swason penned a blockbuster deal in January, netting home a massive $2 million over the course of 5 years.

Before Swason, Houston Dash forward Maria Sanchez held the record for the biggest deal. The Mexican star signed a $1.5 million paycheck with the club last year in December. While Sanchez and Swason might be on the higher end of the spectrum, the same cannot be said about every player in the league.

Although the top players are making close to $400,000 a year, the situation at the bottom is quite adverse. According to reports, the minimum salary for an NWSL player during the 2023 season was registered at just $36,400. The average salary for players featuring in the league is no better. A vast majority of the athletes make close to just $65,000 per annum.

READ MORE: Becoming NWSL’s Highest Paid Player Rocked Mal Swanson’s Confidence- “That’s Not Who I’m”

While the league has the highest average pay compared to other women’s soccer leagues in the world, the figures are just miles apart from the MLS players. Notably, players in Major League Soccer net an average of $438,000 per annum. It’s almost 7x what their female counterparts earn each season.

Compared to Sanchez, who boasts the highest wage in the NWSL with a $500,000 paycheck. Lionel Messi nets a staggering guaranteed $20 million compensation. 40x what the Houston Dash star makes! While the pay structure in the NWSL has come a long way since its inception in 2014, it still has a long way to go!!

READ MORE: Becoming NWSL’s Highest Paid Player Rocked Mal Swanson’s Confidence- “That’s Not Who I’m”