Ever wondered how much players in the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) earn each year? Women’s soccer is booming in the U.S., and the NWSL is the top-tier league. But how much money do the stars of the game actually take home? Let’s dive into the numbers and find out!
TL;DR
NWSL players earn a wide range of salaries depending on their experience, role, and fame. The minimum salary in 2024 is around $36,400, while top earners can make well over $600,000 with club and endorsement deals combined. There’s still a big gap between the highest and lowest paid players, but things are improving. The league is growing fast—and so are the paychecks!
Let’s Start With the Basics
Every league has a pay structure. The NWSL sets a minimum and maximum salary each year as part of its collective bargaining agreement (or CBA). This agreement helps protect players’ rights and make sure they are treated fairly.
- Minimum player salary (2024): around $36,400 per year
- Maximum team salary cap: around $2.75 million per team
- Average player salary: estimated to be between $50,000 and $70,000
That’s not NFL or NBA money—but it’s better than it used to be!
Who Gets What?
Not everyone in the league earns the same. Players are divided into general categories, and their pay can vary a lot based on experience, talent, and fame.
Rookies and Bench Players
These are usually the youngest players with little to no professional experience. Many of them make close to the league minimum salary—somewhere around $36,400 to $45,000.
Veterans and Starters
With a few years of playing time and solid stats, these players usually earn more. Their pay can range from $50,000 to $100,000.
National Team Players
This is where things get interesting. U.S. Women’s National Team (USWNT) stars like Alex Morgan, Sophia Smith, and Rose Lavelle often have dual contracts and endorsement deals.
- Club salary: $100,000 to $275,000
- USWNT bonuses: Tens of thousands more per year
- Endorsements: Nike, Adidas, etc., which could equal or exceed their salary
Some of them even break into the $500,000 to $600,000 yearly range—when combining everything they earn.
So What Else Impacts Their Salary?
Good question! There’s more to a paycheck than just goals and assists. Here are a few things that affect how much NWSL players earn:
- Draft position: Higher pick, better contract
- Injury record: Healthy players = better deals
- Team budget: Some teams spend more
- Market size: Bigger cities usually mean more sponsors
About That Salary Cap…
The NWSL uses a salary cap to make sure all teams are competitive. But there’s wiggle room! Teams can use:
- Allocation Money: Bonus money that can pay over the salary cap
- Designated Player Spots: Pay big for star players, like in soccer leagues abroad
This helps bring in top international talent without breaking the bank—or the rules.
How Does the NWSL Compare to Other Leagues?
Let’s do a quick comparison. Here’s how the NWSL stacks up against other women’s soccer leagues:
- England (WSL): Top players can earn over $300,000
- France: Stars at Lyon and PSG make strong six figures
- Spain: Growing rapidly; top players around $250,000
While NWSL salaries are catching up, Europe is still a popular destination for players chasing bigger contracts.
Endorsements: The Secret Weapon
If you’re an NWSL star with a good social media following and stellar play, endorsement deals can really boost your income. For example:
- Naomi Girma: Deals with Nike and others
- Trinity Rodman: One of the league’s highest-paid players due to endorsements
These deals can easily add hundreds of thousands of dollars to a player’s income.
Room for Growth
Let’s be honest. There’s still a big pay gap between the NWSL and men’s professional leagues. But here’s the good news:
- The NWSL CBA now guarantees health insurance and paid parental leave
- Average salaries are consistently rising each year
- More sponsorships and TV deals mean more money to go around
The league is only about a decade old. With more fans, sponsors, and investment, bigger salaries are on the horizon!
FAQ: Quick Answers to Burning Questions
Q: What’s the lowest an NWSL player can make?
A: As of 2024, about $36,400 per year.
Q: Who’s the highest-paid NWSL player?
A: Trinity Rodman once signed a $1.1 million four-year deal. She also has major endorsements.
Q: Do NWSL players work second jobs?
A: Some used to! But most players today can focus on soccer full-time—though some still coach or run businesses on the side.
Q: Is the pay equal to what men in MLS earn?
A: Not yet. Average salaries in the MLS are around $500,000+. But the NWSL is catching up, slowly!
Final Thoughts
NWSL salaries might not be sky-high, but the league is growing, and so is player pay. From rookies getting their first taste of professional sports to stars landing six-figure endorsement deals, there’s a wide range of income. But with more fans filling stadiums and watching on TV, the future is looking bright.
The players deserve every penny—and then some—for what they bring to the game. And as the NWSL shines brighter, expect those numbers to rise even higher.
The game is changing. And so is the paycheck.