New High Impact Player Rule in NWSL
The NWSL has unveiled a new High Impact Player Rule aimed at drawing and maintaining elite talent within the league. Starting July 1, teams will have the option to exceed the salary cap by up to $1 million; however, they cannot freely choose players under these rules. Strict criteria determine eligibility, including international playing time, significant accolades, and media recognition.
Players only need to fulfill one of seven outlined criteria to be considered. Among those targeted by this rule are notable free agent Trinity Rodman, along with Marta and Esther Gonzalez. Critics suggest that the scope of eligibility may not be extensive enough for many top talents, highlighting potential shortcomings in this approach to creating a more competitive salary framework.
Standards for High Impact Player Eligibility
- Named in SportsPro Media’s Top 150 Most Marketable Athletes within the last year, or
- Ranked in the top 30 of Ballon d’Or voting two years prior, or
- Featured in the Guardian’s or ESPN FC’s top players lists, or
- Played significant minutes for the USWNT in the past two years for field players, or
- Led in minutes as a goalkeeper for the USWNT in that timeframe, or
- An NWSL MVP finalist within the last two seasons, or
- Selected for the NWSL Best XI in any of the past two seasons.
Eligible Players in Multiple Categories
| Player | Club | Nationality |
|---|---|---|
| Barbra Banda | Orlando Pride | Zambia |
| Temwa Chawinga | Kansas City Current | Malawi |
| Esther Gonzalez | Gotham FC | Spain |
| Lindsey Heaps | OL Lyon | US |
| Marta | Orlando Pride | Brazil |
| Trinity Rodman | Free Agent | US |
| Sophia Wilson | Portland Thorns | US |
The inclusion of the High Impact Player Rule seems to be a response to Washington Spirit’s efforts to secure the talent of Rodman, which sparked discourse surrounding the salary cap. Notably, Rodman is eligible under all criteria, while players like Lindsay Horan have qualified in five categories based on their performances with club and national teams. Despite her maternity leave, Sophia Wilson maintained her eligibility thanks to her achievements prior to stepping away.
Talent in 3 to 4 Categories
| Player | Club | Nationality |
|---|---|---|
| Sandy Baltimore | Chelsea | France |
| Ann Katrin Berger | Gotham FC | Germany |
| Aitana Bommati | Barcelona | Spain |
| Lucy Bronze | Chelsea | England |
| Clara Buhl | Bayern Munich | Germany |
| … | … | … |
The list includes a diverse mix of NWSL homegrown talent along with international stars. For instance, Alyssa Naeher’s qualification stems from her standout performance as a goalkeeper, although she is currently on maternity leave.
Talent in 1 to 2 Categories
| Player | Club | Nationality |
|---|---|---|
| Michelle Agyeman | Brighton and Hove Albion | England |
| Selma Basha | OL Lyon | France |
| Crystal Dunn | Paris Saint-Germain | US |
| … | … | … |
Interestingly, some significant players are left out of the High Impact Player Rule, such as USWNT forward Catalina Macario, who has not met eligibility criteria due to injuries, and other promising athletes like Lily Johannes and Alyssa Thompson.
Fan Take
This initiative could drastically reshape the competitive landscape of women’s soccer in the U.S. By potentially increasing salaries for elite players, it not only validates the talent in the NWSL but also fosters a more exciting league for fans to engage with, further elevating women’s soccer on a global stage.
