What is the NWSL's new 'HIP' salary cap rule?

The 'High Impact Player' (HIP) rule allows up to $1 million outside the main salary cap for players meeting specific criteria.

Why are NWSL players opposing the HIP rule?

Players believe the league did not consult them as required by their collective bargaining agreement and feel it circumvents fair salary practices.

How does the NWSL HIP rule differ from MLS's Beckham rule?

The HIP rule caps spending at $1 million and can apply to multiple players, whereas the MLS Beckham rule allows unlimited spending on a limited number of designated players.

Home / Sports / NWSL Players Rebel Against New 'HIP' Salary Rule

NWSL Players Rebel Against New 'HIP' Salary Rule

19 Dec

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Summary

Players oppose the new 'HIP' rule allowing $1M outside salary cap.
NWSLPA claims league violated CBA by not consulting players.
The HIP rule is compared to MLS's Beckham rule but differs significantly.

NWSL Players Rebel Against New 'HIP' Salary Rule

The NWSL Players Association has voiced significant opposition to the league's newly implemented 'High Impact Player' (HIP) salary cap mechanism. This controversial rule allows for an additional $1 million outside the standard salary cap for players meeting specific, yet unclear, league-determined criteria. Player representatives state this decision contravenes the collective bargaining agreement, which mandates player consultation on such roster changes.

Instead of the HIP rule, the NWSLPA suggested a straightforward $1 million increase to the overall salary cap. This would provide teams with more flexibility to retain talent. The HIP rule has drawn comparisons to Major League Soccer's 'designated player' rule, often called the 'David Beckham' rule, but with key distinctions: the HIP rule has a monetary cap and can apply to multiple players, unlike MLS's unlimited spending on a limited number of players.