ESPN's third annual NWSL GM Survey interviewed general managers from all 16 clubs in one-on-one video calls to gather unfiltered feedback on the league's new rules and future concerns. GMs were granted anonymity to speak freely about sensitive topics, including the controversial "Rodman Rule," roster spending, rule loopholes and cheating, and the salary cap.
The league is navigating rapid growth in 2026, with expansion teams, new roster rules, international competitions and increased global spending. The High Impact Player rule, known as the "Rodman Rule," allows teams to spend up to $1 million outside the salary cap on top players. The NWSL pushed it through in December to keep American star forward Trinity Rodman from leaving for European offers. She re-signed with the Washington Spirit in a deal worth over $2 million annually, making her the world's highest-paid player at the time, according to ESPN sources.
The original version of the rule, which included media-ranking eligibility criteria, lasted less than a year. The NWSL Players Association opposed the criteria and filed a grievance. Last week, the NWSL and the NWSLPA settled, removing the criteria so teams can choose which players to pay large salaries. The rule remains in place.
GMs said the rule alone will not suffice for the league to retain stars, and several believed it has mainly helped retain rather than attract world-class players. One GM called it "one of the biggest existential threats" to the league because it has inflated contract values. Concerns also included teams paying players on the side, a near-unanimous call for charter flights as the league expands, and declining game quality. Still, most believe the NWSL is and should remain the best league in the world.
Source: ESPN Soccer · Summarized by HeadlinesBriefing