NWSLPA Challenges League Over Controversial Player Rule

The NWSL Players Association (NWSLPA) has filed a grievance against the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL), claiming that the newly introduced “High Impact Player” (HIP) rule breaches the collective bargaining agreement and federal labor laws. This legal action was initiated earlier this week and marks the second grievance the NWSLPA has raised against the league in just over a month. The previous grievance remains open, awaiting resolution.

In a statement released on Wednesday, the NWSLPA expressed its intention to seek the immediate repeal of the HIP rule. The union is also demanding that the league engage in good faith negotiations regarding player compensation rules prior to any implementation. The statement emphasizes the need for restitution for players affected by what the NWSLPA describes as unilateral decisions made by the league.

“This was a unilateral decision by the League to change how a Player’s fair market value is evaluated,” stated NWSLPA executive director Meghann Burke. She further noted the necessity for increased investment in player compensation to remain competitive in the global labor market. Burke argues that the solution lies in a straightforward increase of the salary cap through collective bargaining, rather than the league establishing a separate pay system that could disadvantage certain players.

The NWSL launched the HIP rule in late December 2025. This rule permits teams to exceed the salary cap by as much as $1 million for specific players who meet criteria established by the league’s board. Prior to the announcement, Burke publicly opposed the rule, stating that it represented an attempt by the league to control which players receive higher compensation.

The NWSLPA has proposed an alternative that would increase the salary cap by $1 million without additional conditions, allowing teams greater flexibility in player compensation. Burke articulated the complexity of evaluating a player’s value, noting that it extends beyond simple criteria. She emphasized the importance of teams having the discretion to make these judgments in a free agency system.

The current collective bargaining agreement (CBA) allows the NWSL to, after consultation with the NWSLPA, modify salary cap charges for certain roster classifications. Although the CBA does not define what constitutes “consultation,” Burke asserts that the players’ association does not recognize the HIP rule as a roster classification, a point of contention with the league, which maintains it has the authority to implement the rule despite the union’s objections.

Discussion surrounding the HIP rule intensified as the future of star player Trinity Rodman became uncertain. Rodman is seeking a contract valued at or above $1 million annually, which the Washington Spirit cannot offer under the existing salary cap of $3.5 million for the 2025 season.

In late November, the Spirit and Rodman reached a creative agreement to structure a four-year contract with backloaded payments, banking on potential salary cap increases due to revenue from a new media deal. However, NWSL commissioner Jessica Berman rejected this contract, claiming it violated the “spirit” of the rules. The league accused Rodman of attempting to circumvent the salary cap.

In response to the league’s actions, the NWSLPA quickly filed a grievance on behalf of Rodman, describing the league’s rejection of the contract as a “flagrant violation” of her free agency rights and a breach of multiple sections of the CBA. Rodman’s previous contract expired on December 31, 2025, leaving her a free agent as NWSL teams prepare for preseason activities.

As the NWSLPA’s grievance process unfolds, the league is required to issue a written response. Sources confirm that the NWSL has recently submitted its response following a holiday extension, though details of that response have not been disclosed. With the formal grievance against the HIP rule now in place, the league must proceed with a similar response.

The next phase involves a review by a grievance committee, which will consist of representatives from both the NWSL and the NWSLPA. Should the committee fail to reach a resolution, the matter may escalate to arbitration, further complicating the ongoing labor relations between the two parties.