The NWSL introduced the high-impact player rule on Tuesday, aimed at attracting and retaining top players in the league — albeit in a complicated manner. Starting July 1, teams will be allowed to exceed the salary cap by $1 million. However, eligibility is not simply a matter of team choice; players must meet specific criteria, including international playtime and recognition through awards.

Criteria for NWSL’s High-Impact Player Rule

• Player is on SportsPro Media Top 150 Most Marketable Athletes within the one (1) year prior to the current league season; or,
• Player is selected in the Top 30 in Ballon d’Or voting in the two (2) years prior to the current league season; or
• Player is selected in the Top 40 of the Guardian Top 100 football players in the world in the two (2) years prior; or
• Player is selected in the Top 40 of ESPN FC Top 50 football players in the world in the two (2) years prior; or
• Top 11 minutes played for the USWNT in the prior two (2) calendar years for field players for all competition types; or
• Top one (1) in minutes played for USWNT in the prior two (2) calendar years for goalkeepers for all competition types; or
• Player selected as NWSL MVP Finalist within the previous two (2) league seasons; or
• Player selected to the End of Year NWSL Best XI First Team within the previous two (2) league seasons

Players Eligible in Five to Seven Categories

PLAYER	CLUB TEAM	NATIONALITY
Barbra Banda	Orlando Pride	Zambia
Temwa Chawinga	Kansas City Current	Malawi
Esther Gonzalez	Gotham FC	Spain
Lindsey Horan	OL Lyonnes	United States
Marta	Orlando Pride	Brazil
Trinity Rodman	Free Agent	United States
Sophia Wilson	Portland Thorns	United States

Players Eligible in Three to Four Categories

… [More Data]

Notable Exclusions

Names like Catarina Macario and Sam Kerr lack eligibility due to injury-related gaps in performance. This highlights the rule’s limitations and the complex landscape of talent in women’s soccer.