• Loading stock data...
Sunday, August 3, 2025
Tuned In returns to NYC on September 16. Hear from the biggest names in sports media. Click here to get your spot

NWSL Players Ask for Free Agency Under Poor Salary Conditions

  • National Women’s Soccer League Players are calling for the league to implement free agency.
  • Many players make only $22,000 per year.
NWSL-Ashlyn-Harris
Bernie Walls-USA TODAY Sports/Design: Alex Brooks

Less than two months after their season ended, National Women’s Soccer League players are calling for free agency.

Currently, players do not have a say in what franchise they belong to or where they’ll be traded because the league has not agreed to a collective bargaining agreement with the players. Even Alex Morgan, the third-highest-paid female soccer player as of this year, was traded last week.

  • Wherever players land, earnings continue to be a concern.
  • A majority of the league’s players earn less than a living wage, with about one-third making just $22,000.

Julie Foudy, former USWNT player and Angel City FC co-owner, told Business Insider she doesn’t “think it’s a survivable, viable model.”

Angel City FC will join next year for the league’s 10th season, along with San Diego FC, for a total of 12 teams.

Free Agency Outlook

Under free agency, players would be able to choose which team they play with for a certain period, similar to the WNBA and MLS versions, which both require players to play five years before entertaining other offers.

USWNT’s Ashlyn Harris, who was traded in the last few weeks, says that until the league can offer larger contracts, “free agency is important.”

Linkedin
Whatsapp
Copy Link
Link Copied
Link Copied

What to Read

Aliyah Boston

Aliyah Boston Is Latest WNBA Player to Invest in NWSL Team

Boston joins a select group that includes Sabrina Ionescu.
Nov 16, 2024; Washington, District of Columbia, USA; Washington Spirit owner Michele Kang celebrates during a team celebration lap after the playoff semifinal match against NJ/NY Gotham FC at Audi Field.

Michele Kang to Lead Lyon As UEFA Delays Multi-Club Ownership Ruling

Lyon’s Europa League fate remains unclear as Michele Kang replaces John Textor.
Knoxville infielder Jaylen Palmer (6) celebrates after hitting a single during a minor league baseball game between the Knoxville Smokies and Chattanooga Lookouts at Covenant Health Park in Knoxville, Tenn., on June 3, 2025.

How Much Do Minor League Baseball Players Make?

Minor leaguers receive much better compensation than they used to.
Angel City FC

Sports World Reacts to ICE Protests: ‘Immigrant City Football Club’

Angel City wore and distributed “Immigrant City Football Club” shirts Saturday.

Featured Today

Behind a $50,000 Luxury Athlete Tattoo: Inked Under Anesthesia

High-end studios, elite artist teams, and hours under anesthesia.
Coco Gauff at New York Liberty
August 2, 2025

How the New York Liberty Became the Hottest Ticket in Town

Once banished to the burbs, the Libs are now Brooklyn’s marquee attraction.
Las Vegas sign
July 29, 2025

College Sports Embracing Vegas After Years of Cold Shoulder

The Big Ten became the latest newcomer to Sin City.
2000, Jupiter, FL, USA; FILE PHOTO; Montreal Expos pitcher Hideki Irabu in action on the mound against the New York Mets at Roger Dean Stadium during Spring Training
July 28, 2025

Dead Sports Franchises Are Alive and Well on Twitter

The Expos, Sonics, and Whalers have active social media accounts.

Luka Dončić Signs 3-Year Lakers Extension On 1st Day Of Eligibility 

Dončić can opt out after two seasons and sign a record deal.
August 1, 2025

Micah Parsons Requests Trade From Cowboys As Contract Talks Stall

The defensive end has been seeking a new contract.
Leo Messi
exclusive
August 1, 2025

MLS Commissioner Don Garber Defends Messi Suspension

Messi was punished for skipping the MLS All-Star Game.
Sponsored

Game On: Portfolio Players Stories, Brought to You by E*TRADE from Morgan Stanley

Dealmaker Jeffrey Kaplan maps the evolution of sports as an asset class
McLaurin
August 1, 2025

Terry McLaurin Asks Out of Washington Amid Contract Standoff

McLaurin is in the final year of a three-year, $68 million contract. 
July 31, 2025

Mikal Bridges Takes $6M Discount to Help Knicks Avoid Second Apron

Bridges agreed to a four-year, $150 million extension Thursday.
Apr 25, 2025; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Los Angeles Lakers guard Luka Doncic (77) looks on against the Minnesota Timberwolves in the first half during game three of first round for the 2024 NBA Playoffs at Target Center.
July 31, 2025

Luka Dončić Eligible to Sign $229M Extension Saturday

Dončić can sign a four-year, $229 million extension on Aug. 2.
July 29, 2025

Gabby Williams: ‘Unrivaled Saved the WNBA’s Butt’

Unrivaled was cofounded by Napheesa Collier and Breanna Stewart.