NWSL's New CBA Eliminates Drafts, Doubles Salary Cap, Empowers Players

Aug 22, 2024, 11:41 AM

The National Women's Soccer League (NWSL) has reached a groundbreaking new collective bargaining agreement (CBA) with its players, marking a significant shift in the American sports landscape. The new CBA includes the elimination of the college and expansion drafts, making NWSL the first major professional sports league in the U.S. to do so. This agreement grants players the freedom to sign with any team of their choice and ensures that all contracts are guaranteed. Additionally, trades will now require player consent, and the league introduces universal free agency and revenue sharing. The salary cap has also been doubled. This historic move is seen as a watershed moment for player power and the sports labor movement, potentially influencing other professional sports leagues and unions.