Overview
- President of soccer operations Haley Carter and GM Nathan Minion said they are in near-daily discussions with the NWSL and Rodman’s representatives, with no new agreement to announce.
- The NWSL rejected a multiyear Spirit offer last week over compliance concerns, a decision reported as a commissioner veto of a deal that would have set a new pay benchmark.
- The NWSL Players Association filed a grievance alleging the rejection violated multiple CBA provisions and Rodman’s free-agency rights, and the league has 14 days to respond, according to CBS Sports.
- Salary-cap limits remain the core issue, with a $3.5 million team cap for 2026 that rises to $5.1 million by 2030; the union says the proposed structure fit within rules, including revenue sharing.
- European clubs and DC Power have pursued Rodman, the league says it wants her to stay and will use available levers, and Carter is urging league-level mechanisms to help retain elite talent.