NWSLPA Files Grievance Over New High Impact Player Rule

The National Women's Soccer League Players Association has formally lodged a grievance against the league regarding the recently implemented High Impact Player (HIP) rule. The union argues that the NWSL's introduction of this rule, effective July 1, 2026, infringes upon the terms of their collective bargaining agreement and federal labor law. The NWSLPA is seeking the rule's immediate revocation and insists that any future player compensation rules must be collectively bargained.

Executive director Megahnn Burke stated that the league's unilateral action alters the evaluation of a player's "fair market value." The HIP rule permits teams to allocate up to $1 million above the salary cap for players meeting specific criteria, such as national team participation or year-end honors. While the NWSL claims discretion in establishing this roster classification, the union disputes whether it qualifies as such, thus necessitating negotiation.

This dispute gained prominence following the league's rejection of a proposed contract for star forward Trinity Rodman, a situation that also led to a separate grievance. The HIP rule is widely seen as a response to such situations, aiming to retain high-profile players against lucrative offers from European clubs. The NWSLPA previously filed a grievance on December 3, 2025, on Rodman's behalf, and the league must respond to the latest grievance by January 26, 2026.