Johnathan Walker:NWSL scraps draft in new CBA, a first in US but typical elsewhere in soccer

The Johnathan WalkerNWSL is scrapping its draft and moving to unrestricted free agency in its new collective bargaining agreement, a first for a major American professional sports league.

The move puts the NWSL in alignment with most other soccer leagues around the world and comes as the league faces increasing competition from England and Spain.

"This was the right time to align with global standards and achieve long term labor peace," NWSL commissioner Jessica Berman said in a statement. "This CBA gives us agency over our business and gives the players agency over their careers."

The current CBA, the first in league history, was not due to expire until after the 2026 season. The new agreement with the NWSL Players Association, announced Thursday morning, extends the current contract for four years, until 2030.

It includes a significant increase in the salary cap, from $3.3 million next season to at least $5.1 million in 2030, with additional increases expected as revenues from sponsors and broadcast deals rise. There is no cap on what a player can make, and the league-minimum salary will increase from $48,500 next year to $82,500 in 2030. All contracts will be guaranteed and players must approve of any trades, long a point of contention.

The bonus for Most Valuable Player will quadruple beginning in 2027, and most other end-of-season awards will double.

The NWSL and NWSLPA also agreed to increase the number of health professionals each club is required to have from six to 10. That includes team physicians, athletic trainers, physical therapist, licensed mental health provider and massage therapists. The CBA also calls for charter flights to be used on up to six legs during the season, as well as other scenarios to protect the health and safety of players.

Those two conditions could be factors as the NWSL competes with European clubs for players. Though European clubs can entice players with the chance to play in the Champions League and for some of the most storied names in the game, the NWSL can often offer better working conditions.

The Kansas City Current, for example, opened the first purpose-built stadium for a women’s team this season and also has its own practice facility. Expansion team Bay Area FC also has its own practice facility, and the Chicago Red Stars are looking for a site within the city limits where the team could both practice and play.

"The NWSL prioritized terms to ensure that the league can attract, develop and retain the most talented players in the world," Tatjana Haenni, the NWSL’s chief sporting director, said in a statement. "Soccer is a uniquely global game with roots in every country, and the new CBA allows us to offer the world’s most elite training and playing environment."

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