The NWSL board of governors is in advanced talks to implement a new roster mechanism that would allow teams to pay players significantly beyond the current salary cap, with discussions prompted by ongoing negotiations to re-sign star forward Trinity Rodman. While the proposed rule change could facilitate Rodman’s contract discussions, it does not directly address a grievance filed by the NWSL Players Association regarding her free agency rights. Unlike MLS’s designated player rule, this change would enable teams to spend directly on player salaries without a luxury tax, moving towards a softer salary cap structure. The Democratic Women’s Caucus has expressed concerns over the league’s adherence to the CBA in light of Rodman’s situation, emphasizing the importance of upholding negotiated rights for women athletes.
