Navigating the NWSL's High Impact Player rule

Dec 31, 2025

53 mins

View Transcript

Episode Description

Last week, the NWSL announced it had introduced a roster mechanism to allow teams to pay certain players up to $1 million above the current salary cap. This new rule would be known as the High Impact Player rule.

But within hours of that announcement, the NWSLPA responded by saying it opposed the NWSL’s decision to move forward with the new rule without formally bargaining with the players' association. This new rule comes after weeks of speculation about the Trinity Rodman’s future in the NWSL with the Washington Spirit.

So, on this episode of Full Time, Tamerra Griffin digs into what all this means. What is the criteria to be a High Impact Player and who does this new rule benefit? Why isn't the NWSL raising the salary cap? How will it affect the NWSL and the global soccer transfer market? What solution is the NWSLPA putting forward and could we see a resolution?

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HOST: Tamerra Griffin

PRODUCER: Theo Lloyd-Hughes

VIDEO PRODUCER: Lia Griffin

EXECUTIVE PRODUCER: Emily Olsen

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Referenced on the show:

NWSL’s new ‘high impact’ rule prioritizes a small pool of superstars – and they must be marketable

NWSL adds rule allowing stars to be paid $1m above cap despite players’ union opposition

NWSL said it would fight for Trinity Rodman. It’s only fighting with itself

NWSL can’t keep Trinity Rodman and its current salary cap. It’s up to the league to choose

Trinity Rodman receives contract from Super League team larger than NWSL can match: Sources