• Loading stock data...
Saturday, November 23, 2024

NWSL Signs First College Player Since Abolishing Draft

The NWSL agreed to a new CBA in August that abolishes entry and expansion drafts. The first player signing of the new era arrived Thursday.

Austin American-Statesman

University of Texas forward Trinity Byars signed with the San Diego Wave, the club announced Thursday. What would normally be a routine line on the transaction wire marked a historic moment: Byars is the first player to choose her pro team directly out of the college system without a draft in the way.

The NWSL and its players’ union agreed to a new collective bargaining agreement in August that abolished its draft, making all amateur players true free agents.

In addition to scrapping entry and expansion drafts, the new CBA banned trades without player consent, added charter flights, increased player salaries, guaranteed all contracts, made all current players free agents at the end of their contracts, and introduced revenue sharing. The current average salary of $56,000 will land roughly between $135,000 and $159,000 next season, and grow both with the introduction of revenue sharing and as the deal progresses. Parts of the deal—which runs through 2030—began July 11, while the rest kicks in Jan. 1, 2025.

In August, NWSL Players Association president Tori Huster told Front Office Sports that taking away the draft removes some of “the anxiety that comes along with not knowing where you’re going to land.”

NWSL commissioner Jessica Berman said in August that removing drafts helps the league “align with global standards and achieve long-term labor peace.” The 2026 expansion team in Boston—which botched its brand rollout so badly the club had to issue an apology—will be allowed to sign only free agents. Those discussions can begin six months before their existing deal ends.

Byars was named the Big 12’s Offensive Player of the Year in 2022 and Forward of the Year in 2023, but she has missed most of her senior season due to a knee injury on Sept. 1. The Wave said the club signed her before the Oct. 10 “roster freeze” kicked in. Her deal runs through the 2026 season with a mutual option to extend through 2027. Wave players including Byars will report in January to San Diego, where the club expects she’ll spend another roughly five months rehabbing her torn ACL, ESPN reported.

It’s been a busy year for the Wave. Owners approved the sale of the team to new owners in March. The sale price of $113 million (up to $120 million) nearly doubled the league’s previous high of $63 million. (The Wave’s record was more than doubled a few months later by Bob Iger and Willow Bay’s purchase of Angel City FC.) In July, former employees publicly accused the club and team president Jill Ellis of a toxic workplace culture, after a third-party investigation in the spring found no violations of the law or league policy. Ellis responded by suing one former employee for defamation. In September, U.S. soccer legend and Wave forward Alex Morgan announced her retirement and played her final professional match for the team.

Linkedin
Whatsapp
Copy Link
Link Copied
Link Copied

What to Read

Sep 7, 2024; Washington, District of Columbia, USA; Washington Spirit forward Trinity Rodman (2) celebrates with owner Michel Kang and Washington Commanders owner Magic Johnson after scoring a goal against Portland Thorns FC during the second half at Audi Field

The NWSL Has Become the New Darling of Ambitious Investors

The NWSL is in a hyper-growth era, and cash is flowing in.
Indiana Fever guard Caitlin Clark (22) smiles while answering a question Tuesday, Sept. 17, 2024, after an Indiana Fever practice at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis.

Caitlin Clark a ‘Vital’ Part of Cincinnati NWSL Bid As League Expands

The WNBA superstar has joined an NWSL expansion bid in Cincinnati.
podcast thumbnail mobile
Front Office Sports Today

How Conference Expansion Has Changed College Football

0:00

Featured Today

Nov 16, 2024; Washington, District of Columbia, USA; Washington Spirit forward Trinity Rodman (2) celebrates after defeating NJ/NY Gotham FC in a 2024 NWSL Playoffs semifinal match at Audi Field. Mandatory Credit:

The Washington Spirit’s Business Makeover Carried Them to the Finals

The team’s return to the NWSL championship looks a lot different from 2021.
Nov 18, 2023; Las Vegas, Nevada, USA; Williams Racing driver Logan Sargeant of the United States (2) during the Las Vegas Grand Prix at Las Vegas Strip Circuit.
November 21, 2024

F1 Grand Prix Upended Vegas Last Year. Stakes Are High for Its..

Stakes are high as F1 gears up for a successful second act.
Classic Football Shirts New York Pop-Up
November 18, 2024

Vintage Soccer Jerseys Have Found a Sweet Spot in the Lucrative U.S...

The money-making shirts are at the prime intersection of memorabilia and fashion.
Nov 13, 2024; New York, New York, USA; New York Knicks guard Josh Hart (3) reacts after fouling Chicago Bulls guard Coby White (not pictured) during the second half at Madison Square Garden.
opinion
November 16, 2024

NBA Ratings Rorschach Test: Buy the Dip

Was it the election? Too many threes? Lack of storylines?
Michele Kang

The Wealthy Booster Spending Millions to Turn U.S. Soccer European

Michele Kang says NWSL expansion requires more coaches and refs.
Nov 3, 2024; East Rutherford, New Jersey, USA; New York Giants quarterback Daniel Jones (8) is sacked during an extra point attempt by Washington Commanders defensive end Dorance Armstrong (92) during the second half at MetLife Stadium.
November 18, 2024

Giants Hit Rock Bottom, Demote QB Daniel Jones With $23 Million Injury..

Jones signed a four-year, $160 million contract extension in March 2023.
May 27, 2024; Paris, France; Rafael Nadal of Spain waves goodbye after his match against Alexander Zverev of Germany on day two of Roland Garros at Stade Roland Garros.
November 19, 2024

Rafael Nadal Bids Farewell to Tennis at Davis Cup

Nadal surpassed the $135 million mark in career earnings.
Sponsored

How UBS Crafts Impactful Partnerships Across Sports, Arts, and Culture

As UBS continues to expand its impressive array of sports and entertainment partnerships, the company solidifies its position as a leader in wealth management.
Bronny James
November 13, 2024

Bronny James Won’t Play G League Road Games

G League players travel on commercial airlines.
Despondent Giants quarterback Daniel Jones.
November 12, 2024

The $23 Million Reason a Daniel Jones Benching Is Looming

Injury guarantees have come into play for several quarterbacks in recent years.
Nick Bosa
November 12, 2024

NFL Waited for Trump Win to Fine Nick Bosa for MAGA Hat

The league usually issues such fines quickly, but waited weeks for Bosa.
November 10, 2024

Why 23-Year-Old Phenom Roki Sasaki Will Be MLB’s Biggest Bargain

The star pitcher’s youth and talent make him highly coveted by all 30 teams.