NWSL Drops Restrictive Criteria for High Impact Player Rule in Union Settlement

The NWSL and NWSL Players Association have agreed a settlement that removes the restrictive eligibility criteria from the High Impact Player designation, opening the league's highest salaries to any player. Previously, players had to meet one of eight specific criteria — including national team minutes, Ballon d'Or recognition, and media marketability rankings — to qualify for the additional $1m above the salary cap that the rule permits. The settlement also resolves a separate grievance related to a contract refusal.