Part 2: NWSL CBA rules governing the union
The National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) bargained in good faith with the National Women’s Soccer League Players’ Association (NWSLPA) over the course of 40 bargaining sessions to get a collective bargaining agreement (CBA) ratified and executed. The bargaining sessions started in the Fall of 2020 with the final CBA officially executed on April 29, 2022.
This is Part 2 of a multi-part series analyzing the CBA from my perspective as a sports attorney and sports business professional. I will provide commentary and insight into the intricacies of the CBA.
Part 1: NWSL CBA sports law breakdown
What does the CBA entail? This is a the first part of a series of articles not only providing an overview of the CBA, but will also contain my commentary both as a sports attorney and sports business professional.
The Position of Power - Professional Male Athletes
Often I see articles centered around the plight of female athletes whether at the professional, semi-professional, or college level. However, I find less content centered around the professional male athlete and how their position of power, when not used in advocacy, is one of the biggest detriments to female athletes. Professional male athletes, in North America, who are currently playing have never been without a union. However, many female athletes who are currently playing have only recently had the luxury of union support and bargaining in a position of power.
USWNT victory, but more work to be done for equal pay
Women’s soccer in North America is making 2022 that year of the female athlete.
On Feb. 22, 2022, players from the U.S. Women’s National Team walked away with a litigation settlement valued at $24 million. This comes after they won a decisive victory against U.S. Soccer in their inequitable treatment claims.
A Tale of Two Leagues
When people discuss sports, they often default to leagues where men are playing. The ingrained viewpoint is that sports are inherently male.
Do we really need to try to follow what these leagues are doing? Do they actually set the end-all-be-all goal for other sports leagues?
I do not believe they do and comparing or aspiring to be like them might lead us into the same problems they are currently dealing with publicly.
NWSLPA Ratifies First CBA in Women’s Soccer History
On Jan. 31st at approximately 8.30pm ET the National Women’s Soccer League’s Player’s Association announced they had ratified the first ever collective bargaining agreement in women’s soccer history. It is subject to the approval of the Board of Governors. This means the players will not strike and will attend preseason camp on Feb. 1st, 2022.