Navigating the NWSL's High Impact Player rule

Navigating the NWSL's High Impact Player rule

Author: The Athletic December 31, 2025 Duration: 53:26

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? 


_______________

HOST: Tamerra Griffin

PRODUCER: Theo Lloyd-Hughes

VIDEO PRODUCER: Lia Griffin

EXECUTIVE PRODUCER: Emily Olsen

_______________

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

Trinity Rodman negotiations explained: Why did NWSL reject the Spirit’s offer and what’s next?

_______________

Get in touch: ⁠⁠fulltime@theathletic.com⁠⁠

Follow on Instagram and TikTok: @tafulltime

Subscribe to our Youtube channel: here

Subscribe to the Full Time newsletter ⁠⁠here⁠⁠

Visit the Yahoo Women's Sports hub ⁠⁠here


Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.


For anyone who lives and breathes the beautiful game as played by women, Full Time: A show about women's soccer is your essential audio companion. This isn't just a recap show; it's a deep, thoughtful, and often lively exploration of the entire ecosystem. Produced by the journalists at The Athletic, the podcast delivers expert analysis and storytelling you can trust, moving seamlessly from the latest U.S. women’s national team drama to the week's pivotal NWSL results and major stories from leagues across Europe and the globe. Three times a week, hosts Meg Linehan, Tamerra Griffin, and Jillian Sakovits break down the matches, but more importantly, they dig into the culture, context, and consequential conversations that define the sport's moment. You'll hear from fellow reporters, players, coaches, and insiders who provide unique perspectives you won't find anywhere else. Whether it's a transfer saga, a tactical revolution, or a discussion about the broader impact of the game, this is where the narrative gets unpacked. Tune in for a blend of immediate reaction, investigative reporting, and the kind of informed debate that mirrors the passion of the fans themselves. This podcast goes beyond the final whistle to deliver the full story.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 100

Full Time: A show about women's soccer
Podcast Episodes
Mallory Swanson makes her NWSL return [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 33:20
It was a weekend marked by returns in the NWSL and farewells in the WSL.Host Jillian Sakovits is joined by The Athletic’s Asli Pelit to discuss Mallory Swanson’s first appearance for the Chicago Stars since becoming a ne…
Is Gotham FC moving to New York City? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 37:22
Is Gotham FC headed to the city of bright lights?On this episode of Full Time Focus, host Jillian Sakovits sits down with The Athletic's Melanie Anzidei for a conversation about the reports that 2025 NWSL champions could…
Boston Legacy's Nichelle Prince and the art of betting on yourself [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 22:51
On this episode of Full Time Focus, host Jillian Sakovits sits down with Canadian international and Boston Legacy forward Nichelle Prince for a one-on-one interview. The duo chats about the Legacy's first win of the seas…
Emma Hayes' NWSL road trip: Soccer, drums and babies [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 37:53
Over the last few weeks, U.S. women's national team head coach Emma Hayes has toured the NWSL, attending matches, playing the drums and holding babies. While it's not out of the ordinary for coaches to do such scouting t…
A Champions League final of cinematic proportions [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 48:28
Gird your loins because the UEFA Women's Champions League final is set between rivals FC Barcelona and OL Lyonnes and the only word to describe it is cinematic. But how did we get here?Host Jillian Sakovits is joined by…
Chelsea legend Millie Bright's legacy [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 17:56
On this episode of Full Time Focus, host Jillian Sakovits and The Athletic's UK soccer writer Cerys Jones discuss Chelsea defender Millie Bright's retirement. Bright has been a key figure in women's soccer, especially in…
Should the NWSL flip its calendar? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 33:58
Over the last few weeks, the NWSL has debated flipping its Spring to Fall season calendar and instead aligning itself with other top European leagues and the FIFA international schedule by using the Fall to Spring calend…
Sophia Wilson’s first goal as a mom & who is Jose the Coyote? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 27:00
After 540 days, Sophia Wilson is back scoring in the NWSL. So, what does it mean for the former MVP to net her first goal since returning from the birth of her first child? Host Jillian Sakovits is joined by The Athletic…