The NWSLPA has filed a grievance against the NWSL’s “High Impact Player” rule, the union announced on Wednesday. The union believes that because the rule was implemented without bargaining, it is in violation
of the Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) and federal labor law.
The “High Impact Player” rule would allow clubs to exceed the salary cup by up to a total of $1 million for players who meet certain criteria. It was implemented on December 23, 2025, without bargaining, although the NWSLPA had repeatedly objected and demanded to negotiate.
The NWSLPA suggested an alternative solution to retaining top players, a $1 million increase to the salary cap with no restrictions on who it applies to.
The NWSLPA believes that the new rule changes a player’s fair market value and must be bargained on before it can be implemented.
“This was a unilateral decision by the League to change how a Player’s fair market value is evaluated,” said Meghann Burke, Executive Director of the NWSLPA.
“We agree that increasing investment in Player compensation is necessary to remain competitive in the global labor market,” said Burke. “The solution is straightforward and collectively bargained by raising the salary cap. What the League cannot do is invent a parallel pay system outside the salary cap that was never negotiated, then limit access to compensation through League-controlled criteria that excludes some Players.”
“We agree that growing investment in Players is important for the league’s future. But lasting progress requires a clear, shared process with Players involved. That’s how you build a market that is stable and fair,” said Tori Huster, Deputy Executive Director of the NWSLPA.
The NWSLPA seeks rescission of the HIP rule, an order for the NWSL to bargain in good faith over proposed compensation rules, and make-whole relief for any players impacted by the rule.
The NWSLPA still has an open grievance with the league concerning their rejection of a proposed contract for Trinity Rodman with the Washington Spirit.
Rodman, whose free agency incentivized the HIP rule, is currently not under contract with any team, and will join the upcoming USWNT camp in California.
