How USWNT Players Are Paid: A New Era for USWNT and NWSL Players

U.S. women’s soccer scored another monumental win. In December of 2021, the U.S. Soccer Federation announced a deal to end the current allocation-pay system for USWNT players. According to the agreement, United States Soccer will no longer pay USWNT allocated players’ salaries to play in the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL). The victory provides players financial freedom and control over their careers.

The Old Allocation System

In years past, professional women’s soccer leagues in the United States lacked financial stability. For example, the Women’s United Soccer Association (WUSA) suspended operations in 2003, and Women’s Professional Soccer (WPS) ceased operations in 2012 due to a lack of funding.

As a means to support women’s professional soccer, U.S. Soccer created the NWSL in 2012. In addition, U.S. Soccer managed and financially supported the league to ensure its long-term viability.

U.S. Soccer assigned USWNT players to NWSL teams and required them to play. The federation paid some of its USWNT allocated players up to a $99,000 salary. However, players lacked the earning power of their European counterparts.

Problems with Old System

The allocation system helped lay the foundation for the NWSL. But, eventually, the old system became detrimental to USWNT players. The old arrangement blocked players from maximizing their income and managing their professional playing careers.

In 2021, the collective bargaining agreement limited the number of USWNT members permitted to play in Europe to three players. In other words, only a few players received top-dollar salaries playing abroad. Another issue faced by allocated players was the location. Players were forced to live and play in cities, not of their choosing.

Being a member of the USWNT was practically dependent on a commitment to play in the NWSL.

The New System

All USWNT members playing in the NWSL will be represented by the NWSL Players Association (NWSLPA).

According to the USWNT Players Association, “Dissolving the USSF-supported NWSL Allocation system means that, going forward, USWNT Players will have no restrictions as to the league in which they play club soccer. Players who choose the NWSL will sign directly with the NWSL / an NWSL Club and will be employed by the NWSL, therefore becoming members of the NWSLPA.”

The new agreement gives players financial freedom. All players will negotiate and sign contracts directly with individual NWSL clubs. Players can potentially earn more money and choose where to play.

The new agreement empowers USWNT players and is another step forward for women’s soccer.

Featured image via @USWNT on Instagram

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