NWSLPA Files Grievance Against League Over ‘High Impact Player’ Rule
The NWSL Players Association (NWSLPA) has filed a formal grievance against the league, challenging the newly introduced “High Impact Player” (HIP) rule and alleging that it violates both the collective bargaining agreement (CBA) and U.S. labor laws.
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In a statement released on Wednesday, the union argued that the league acted outside its authority by unilaterally introducing a new compensation mechanism without bargaining with players.
“Player compensation is a mandatory subject of bargaining,” the NWSLPA said.
“The League has no authority to unilaterally create a new pay structure that bypasses negotiated rules.”
The union is seeking the immediate rescission of the HIP rule, an order requiring the league to bargain in good faith over any proposed changes to player compensation, and make-whole relief for any players affected by the rule’s implementation.
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The controversial policy allows clubs to exceed the NWSL salary cap by up to $1 million to sign or retain a designated “high impact” player, provided certain criteria are met. The rule has significant implications for elite players, with the futures of stars such as Trinity Rodman frequently cited in discussions around the policy.
The NWSLPA has previously suggested an alternative approach—raising the overall salary cap by $1 million—to ensure competitive balance across the league. Despite union objections, the NWSL went ahead and implemented the HIP rule.
NWSLPA executive director Meghann Burke warned in December that unilateral league action could set a dangerous precedent.
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“We want to make sure everybody has a level playing field,” Burke told The Athletic. “If the league can come in here and put their thumb on the scale… they can put their thumb on the scale of any player’s contract negotiation.”
With free agency accelerating, player movement intensifying, and NWSL preseason underway, pressure is mounting on both the league and the players’ union to resolve the dispute quickly.
The outcome of the grievance could have wide-ranging consequences for roster building, competitive balance, and labor relations across the NWSL.
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