NWSL removes eligibility limits for High Impact Player salaries

The NWSL and its players’ union agreed to remove limits on who can qualify for the league’s highest salaries under its High Impact Player rule.

From 1 January 2027, clubs can designate any player whose salary is at least 12% of the base salary cap, though the league can limit how many such players each club has.

The rule lets teams spend an extra $1 million above the salary cap to sign or retain star players.

Previously, players had to meet one of eight criteria, and about 100 qualified.

The union challenged the criteria as a violation of labor law and the collective bargaining agreement.

The settlement also resolves a grievance over the Washington Spirit’s rejected contract offer to Trinity Rodman, who later signed a record deal with the club.

The agreement settles six grievances and includes greater financial transparency and annual salary cap projections, while also addressing the league’s footwear policy.