The move is driven largely by efforts to keep Washington Spirit forward Trinity Rodman, whose contract expires in December and who has drawn multimillion-dollar offers from Europe.

How the New Mechanism Would Work

The proposal would give every team a set amount of extra funds, separate from the official salary cap, to spend on elite players. These funds could be used on multiple athletes, though the criteria for eligibility are still being defined.

If approved, teams would be able to offer salaries reaching or exceeding $1 million—levels needed to compete with Europe’s top clubs. The rule would replace older tools like allocation money, which is being phased out.

Rodman Dispute Highlights Urgency

Rodman and the Spirit had recently agreed to a multiyear deal averaging over $1 million per season, but the league rejected the contract, prompting the NWSL Players Association to file a grievance. The dispute could go to arbitration if not resolved within 14 days. League officials say they remain committed to keeping Rodman in the NWSL while maintaining financial stability.

Wider Impact for Player Retention

League leaders argue that the rule isn’t just about one player. The NWSL has already lost several high-profile athletes to overseas clubs offering far higher salaries. The new mechanism is designed to help teams retain their stars, attract global talent, and strengthen long-term roster competitiveness.

This article was created with the assistance of AI and has been reviewed and edited by our editorial team.