NWSLPA: 'Rodman rule' violates CBA, grievance filed

The National Women’s Soccer League Players Association (NWSLPA) has filed a grievance against the league, calling for the revocation of the newly introduced "High Impact Player" (HIP) rule. The union argues that the rule violates the collective bargaining agreement (CBA) and federal labor law.

Announced in December, the HIP mechanism allows NWSL clubs to exceed the salary cap by up to $1 million to sign certain high-value players. These players are identified based on a wide range of criteria, including marketability and nominations for major awards.

NWSLPA Executive Director Meghann Burke criticized the rule as a “unilateral decision by the league to change how a player's fair market value is evaluated.” In a statement Wednesday, she said, “We agree that increasing investment in player compensation is necessary to remain competitive in the global labor market. The solution is straightforward and collectively bargained: raise the salary cap. What the league cannot do is invent a parallel pay system outside the salary cap that was never negotiated, then limit access to compensation through league-controlled criteria that excludes some players.”

Under the CBA, the NWSL may “reduce or eliminate the salary cap charge for certain roster classifications” only after consulting with the NWSLPA. The league and the union disagree over whether the "high-impact" designation qualifies as a roster classification.

The HIP rule, informally called the "Trinity Rodman rule," was introduced while the Washington Spirit negotiated a contract extension with the U.S. Women’s National Team star, reportedly to prevent her from moving to Europe. NWSL Commissioner Jessica Berman vetoed a backloaded four-year deal that would have paid Rodman more than $1 million per season, citing an attempt to circumvent the salary cap.

The NWSLPA had previously filed a separate grievance in early December opposing the league’s rejection of the contract. Rodman’s previous four-year, $1.1 million deal with the Spirit expired on December 31, making her a free agent.

The league emphasized its intent to retain top talent. “Our goal is to ensure that the very best players in the world, including Trinity, continue to call this league home,” the NWSL said in a statement when Rodman’s contract was blocked. “We will do everything we can, utilizing every lever available within our rules to keep Trinity Rodman here.”

—Field Level Media/Reuters