Willig, Williams & Davidson Helps Secure First-Ever Collective Bargaining Agreement for National Women’s Soccer League Players Association

On February 1, 2022, the National Women’s Soccer League Players Association (Players Association) and the National Women’s Soccer League (League) reached the first collective bargaining agreement in the history of a U.S. women’s professional soccer league.

Negotiated by Willig, Williams & Davidson attorneys Deborah Willig, Jessica Caggiano, and Larry Goodman in partnership with the Players Association, the agreement includes increased salaries, free agency components beginning in 2023, and player health and safety provisions. The collective bargaining process began in early 2021 and continued into 2022.

Highlights of the ratified contract include:

60 percent increase in minimum salary for 2022 with negotiated increases to the minimum in each year of the contract
4-week severance pay with 30 days of housing and health insurance
Free agency components beginning as early as 2023
8 weeks paid parental leave
Up to 6 months paid mental health leave
Minimum staffing standards for healthcare professionals

The agreement is a significant victory for the Players Association and all of its player members as the League enters its tenth year. Ratified just before players reported to for preseason training, the agreement is effective for the 2022 season.

To learn more, read coverage of the agreement in Front Row Soccer, Boardroom, ESPN, NPR, and CBS Sports.

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