US EditionNWSL Players Association Files Lawsuit to End High Impact Player Rule
The NWSLPA argues the High Impact Player rule breaches the collective bargaining agreement and federal labor law by imposing a pay structure without negotiation, seeking its removal.
- On Jan. 14, 2026, the NWSL Players Association filed a formal grievance challenging the High Impact Player rule that allows teams to exceed the salary cap by $1 million.
- Last month, the National Women's Soccer League announced the HIP rule on Dec. 23, responding to the Washington Spirit's effort to re-sign Trinity Rodman under the salary cap.
- By relying on marketability and awards lists, the HIP rule drew union pushback for using metrics like national team minutes, Ballon d'Or shortlist, SportsPro Media Top 150, and player rankings.
- The filing requires the league to respond and triggers a grievance committee review with one representative per side; if unresolved, the dispute could go to arbitration as the NWSLPA seeks immediate rescission, bargaining in good faith, and make-whole relief.
- Trinity Rodman, a free agent and Paris gold medalist, draws European interest as the NWSL salary cap pressures competitiveness with uncapped teams.
15 Articles
15 Articles
Associated Press News
Players' union files grievance against the NWSL over its High Impact Player rule
The National Women’s Soccer League Players Association has filed a grievance against the league for its adoption of a “High Impact Player” rule that allows teams to spend up to $1 million over the salary cap to sign players that meet certain criteria.
Des Moines Register
NWSL Players Association files lawsuit to end High Impact Player rule
The NWSL Players Association has filed a formal grievance challenging the league's High Impact Player rule.
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NWSLPA files grievance against league
ASHVILLE, NC–The National Women’s Soccer League Players Association (NWSLPA) has filed a grievance with the league over the latter’s new “High Impact Player” (HIP) Rule which the union says was unilaterally implemented. Similar to Major League Soccer’s Designated Player rules, on December 23rd of last year, the NWSL implemented the HIP Rule without bargaining with the Players Association. The rule creates a new compensation mechanism that allows…
NWSLPA Files Grievance Over 'High Impact Player' Rule Citing CBA Violation
The National Women’s Soccer League Players Association (NWSLPA) has formally filed a grievance against the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL), alleging that the league’s newly introduced ‘High Impact Player’ rule—informally dubbed the ‘Rodman Rule’—breaches the terms of the current Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA). According to the NWSLPA, the grievance centers on the league unilaterally implementing […] The post NWSLPA Files Grievance O…
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