The NWSL has introduced a “high-impact player rule” intended to attract and retain star players. Effective July 1, teams can exceed the salary cap by up to $1 million for players who qualify, based on specific criteria related to international experience and accolades.
Criteria for Eligibility
Players must meet at least one of the following criteria:
- Be listed on the SportsPro Media Top 150 Most Marketable Athletes in the past year;
- Be recognized in the Top 30 of Ballon d’Or voting in recent years;
- Feature among the Top 40 in Guardian’s or ESPN FCs Top lists;
- Play significant minutes for the US Women’s National Team (USWNT) recently;
- Be nominated for MVP or included in the NWSL Best XI.
Eligible Players
Some notable players include:
- Trinity Rodman (Free Agent)
- Marta (Orlando Pride)
- Esther Gonzalez (Gotham FC)
- Lindsey Horan (OL Lyonnes)
- Sophia Wilson (Portland Thorns)
Implications
The new rule aims to create a competitive environment in the league, although the limited eligibility options may restrict some talented players, such as Catarina Macario.The rule’s launch has sparked conversations surrounding its complexity and effectiveness in achieving the intended goals.
