NWSLPA Files Grievance After Reported League Block Of Washington Spirit’s Mega Offer To Trinity Rodman

The NWSL Players Association has filed a grievance against the NWSL league office following reports that the Washington Spirit’s multi-million-dollar contract offer to star forward Trinity Rodman was blocked by commissioner Jessica Berman—an action the union says violates multiple sections of the Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA).

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According to reporting, Berman vetoed a proposed four-year, back-loaded deal that would have paid Rodman well over $1 million annually on average, arguing that the structure violated the “spirit” of the league’s salary-cap rules.

The NWSLPA strongly disputes that claim. In its filing, the union argues that scaled, back-loaded contracts are explicitly allowed under the current CBA and rejects the suggestion that the Spirit attempted to circumvent the salary cap.

“It comes down to a very simple premise,” NWSLPA executive director Meghann Burke told The Athletic.

“If they can mess with Trinity Rodman’s free agency rights, they can mess with anyone’s. And we won’t stand for that.”

Burke added that teams must operate with the best available forecasts in mind when negotiating fair-market contracts—particularly with the expectation that the league’s next broadcast deal in 2028 could push the salary cap well beyond the current projected $4.7 million.

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League sources told The Athletic that the NWSL would approve an immediate offer of a $1 million-per-year base salary if the Spirit were to submit one.

The specifics of why the league office rejected the Spirit’s offer remain unclear. But as the Players Association demands transparency, the NWSL will soon face pressure to provide a detailed explanation for its decision.

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