Non-allocated players in the National Women’s Soccer League announced the formation of the NWSL Players Association (NWSLPA) on Monday. The association’s constitution and bylaws were approved by a majority of non-allocated players in May.
The NWSLPA will represent active, non-allocated players and rostered amateurs but not allocated players. Allocated players have representation via their federation associations and are not included in the NWSLPA. The NWSLPA will work with allocated players to “achieve goals common to all players in the NWSL and women’s soccer in general.”
Now in its fifth year, the NWSL’s minimum salary stands at $15,000, more than double of last season’s $7,200 minimum salary. The minimum salary for the league in its inaugural season was $6,000.
The association’s mission statement is as follows:
“We are proud to announce the official formation of the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) Players Association. We, the Non-Allocated Players of NWSL, vow to build on the opportunity that has been afforded to us, as well as work to achieve those goals that have not yet been attained. We honor the vision and progress of those who came before us…Pledge to work with the League and Allocated Players to advance continued improvements in women’s soccer…Commit ourselves to doing all in our power for the betterment of our members so that we may best contribute to the common goal: a world-class product on the field, and to be role models and inspire the next generation off the field.”
The NWSL has issued the following statement regarding the formation of the NWSLPA:
“We respect the players’ right to organize and form a players association, and look forward to establishing a relationship with their leadership that will serve the league, the players and our fans alike.”
Though the association is not an official union, it is the first step toward establishing one for non-allocated players.