New York Times Revisits National Women’s Soccer League Players Association Collective Bargaining Agreement, Negotiated by Deborah Willig and Jessica Caggiano

The National Women’s Soccer League Players Association (NWSLPA) has reached a new collective bargaining agreement (CBA) which allows the players unrestricted free agency and implements significant salary increases across the board, among other benefits. The CBA went into effect on July 30, 2024, and is set to run through 2030.

Willig, Williams & Davidson managing partner Deborah R. Willig and partner Jessica C. Caggiano served on the bargaining committee for this new agreement, which was negotiated over 10 months and more than 20 bargaining sessions. Willig and Caggiano previously helped the NWSLPA secure its first-ever collective bargaining agreement in 2022.

Some highlights of the NWSLPA’s new CBA include:

Significant increases to the Minimum salary — $48.5k in 2025 up to $82.5k by 2030
All Player contracts will be guaranteed in 2025
All Players will be eligible free agents when out of contract in 2025
Significant increases to the now collectively-bargained salary cap will be increased by revenue share.
Elimination of the entry and expansion drafts
No trades without player consent
Teams are now required to charter flights under certain circumstances and may charter under broader circumstances.
Expanded childcare support for players who are parents
Fulsome protections for player data

Player compensation will no longer automatically include either Team-provided housing or a stipend, as Player compensation will be increased and supplemented to ensure players can address their diverse housing needs as they exercise their freedom, as free agents, to work in preferred markets.

Read the full article online: Inside NWSL and the players’ union’s new CBA after 10 months of bargaining (Subscription is required.)