NWSL and NWSLPA announce negotiations for Collective Bargaining Agreement

The National Women’s Soccer League and the NWSL Players Association announced on Wednesday that negotiations have officially begun for a long-term Collective Bargaining Agreement between the two sides. The CBA would be the first in the league’s history.

“The sustainability of our League is inextricably linked to the stability of players’ careers,” said NWSLPA Executive Director Meghann Burke in the release. “Through this CBA, we seek to secure stability, equity, and longevity of a playing career in NWSL for all players.”

The process is one that that began formally back in the latter part of 2020 per the NWSL press release, a negotiation that has involved representatives from both sides and their respective counsel. The CBA is expected to cover employment terms and conditions such as player compensation and benefits, travel, and medical and safety issues.

“The collaboration between the league, our clubs and the NWSL players has been absolutely critical to our collective success this past year,” said NWSL Commissioner Lisa Baird via the release. “Building on that trust and partnership, we’re all eager to better define the relationship between the league and the extraordinary women that take the pitch each week, and I’m grateful to the NWSLPA’s leadership for so thoughtfully engaging in this process.”

For the full release, click here.