NWSL, players agree on CBA with no draft, expanded leave - ESPN

The NWSL and the NWSL Players Association announced they have agreed on a new collective bargaining agreement (CBA) that is set to last through the 2030 season.

Among the gains the players made are increased freedom of movement with total free agency upon the expiration of contracts, the elimination of player drafts, a higher salary cap, a sizable increase in minimum salaries and expanded parental leave and childcare benefits.

The new CBA went into effect on July 30 when it was approved by players, but not all provisions, like the new salary caps, will start in the middle of the season. Additionally, free agency begins on Sept. 1 this year, while it will start on July 1 in future seasons.

The NWSL first approached the players' union about a new CBA last September, with the expiration of the current deal more than two years away.

Sources tell ESPN that the impetus for opening negotiations early, in addition to long-term labor peace, was the fact that the league wanted a CBA expiration date that took place after the end of the current broadcast rights deal in 2028.

That was achieved here.

The league is also in a position of relative economic strength, having enjoyed an unprecedented period of growth in the past few years and aiming to expand to 16 teams from its current 14.

More critically, franchise valuations have increased immensely, with last month's sale of a controlling interest in Angel City FC to Willow Bay, Dean of the USC Annenberg School for Communication and Journalism, and Walt Disney Co. CEO Bob Iger resulting in a valuation of $250 million. (The Walt Disney Company is the majority owner of ESPN.)

For all of these reasons, it was determined that the time was now to get a new CBA done.

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