The Trinity Rodman salary saga has entered a new stage it would seem. According to ESPN the NWSL Board of Governors will vote on new roster tools that will allow the league to pay players like Rodman higher salaries than currently allowed under league rules. The salary cap for the 2026 season will be $3.5 million, however that number has not been sufficient to keep star players from seeking higher pay in Europe. The new rule would allow teams to pay players that meet criteria set by the league a higher salary that would not count
the same, if at all, against the current cap.
The ESPN report notes that the board is voting on the measure now ahead of a board meeting that is set for next week. Rodman’s case highlighted not only the need for a change in roster funding, but also brought to light that it is urgently needed as teams are preparing to make off season moves ahead of next season.
The league has been expanding rapidly and its growth has brought in an estimated $400 million in expansion fees over the last three years. While owners have put significant resources into the league, it is the players and their talents that have driven the interest and growth in the league. Salaries have been increasing in these years also, but the rapid increase in the league’s value is not reflected in the current CBA. This vote will help to improve that as a change allowing for some players to receive a higher salary than currently allowed will give teams the ability to spread additional funds to those who will still be subject to the salary cap rules.
