Aug 22, 2024
August 22, 2024 – Today, the NWSLPA announces that Players have secured freedom over their careers in a groundbreaking new Collective Bargaining Agreement that eliminates the draft, establishes free agency for all, protects against trades without Player consent, establishes guaranteed contracts, safeguards Player health through workload management, and institutes revenue sharing.
Notably, the terms negotiated by the Players will establish the NWSL as the first American major pro sports league to eliminate the draft. “The draft is an antiquated model that empowers teams to decide for Players instead of Players deciding for themselves,” said NWSLPA President Tori Huster. “Now, Players can choose the team environment that fits their needs and maximizes their opportunities. Teams will need to step up to create environments that appeal to Players.”
Since last September, the Players have been in negotiations with the league, following a request from the league for voluntary term negotiations. “We saw this midterm, voluntary negotiation as an opportunity to expand on the rights and protections that we set the foundation for in our first CBA in 2022,” said NWSLPA Executive Director Meghann Burke. “This new deal achieves that. Players drew a clear, firm line that now is the time to accomplish what some have said could never be done.”
The new CBA ushers in the next phase in the rebirth of American women’s soccer, which was set in motion with the ratification of the first CBA in 2022. The first CBA secured Players’ rights and elevated professional standards– this next phase empowers Players with freedom over their career, elevates the professional standard of their work environment, and more closely aligns incentives so that Players participate in the NWSL’s economic growth. “The new terms are a reflection of the collective power of Players in this incredible league,” said NWSLPA Vice President Simone Charley. “The new deal furthers the progress of protections that ensure the league’s long-term success. When the Players win, everyone wins.”
The ratification of this new CBA also reflects a shift within the wider sports landscape in which female athletes are reshaping the industry for their own interests. “The sports industry has been dominated for decades by the interests of men’s sports,” said Burke. “It’s changing because of the Players. We’ve seen it with the USWNT. We’ve seen it with the WNBA. And we are seeing it with the NWSL. The Players are changing this industry.”
For further details on the new CBA, please refer to the CBA Fact Sheet available at www.wesaidnow.com. The full terms of the CBA will be available at www.nwslPlayers.com at a future date.
About the NWSLPA
Established in May 2017, the NWSLPA is the labor union representing all NWSL Players. This extended support allows the NWSLPA to continue fighting for higher professional standards, Player safety, pay and benefits, and broadening access to opportunities and resources both on and off the field.
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Contact: Press@nwslPlayers.com