The IX Sports Podcast: NWSL unveils new roster rule

Kathleen Gier recaps the latest news coming out of the NWSL and other women's soccer leagues

In the latest episode of The IX Sports Podcast soccer edition, host Kathleen Gier begins by reflecting on last week’s conversation with Annie Peterson, The IX’s Soccer Monday columnist and Associated Press reporter covering the NWSL, USWNT, and women’s soccer broadly. The two discussed Trinity Rodman’s current standing in the league, including her role in CBA negotiations and her value as potentially the NWSL’s highest-profile player.

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Gier then turns to Peterson’s story of the week, which covered recent NWSL decisions, notably the approval of a new roster mechanism that allows top players to be paid up to $1 million above the salary cap. Eligibility for this mechanism is expected to consider performance, national team caps and commercial presence, making it particularly relevant for players like Trinity Rodman and past high-profile transfers such as Naomi Girma and Alyssa Thompson. Gier also explores comments by NWSL Commissioner Jessica Berman about retaining top talent, emphasizing considerations like compensation and competition, when players choose where to play.


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Gier also goes beyond the NWSL to highlight standout performances in the Women’s Super League, specifically Khadija “Bunny” Shaw’s four-goal game for Manchester City, which places her third all-time in WSL scoring. Gier also notes key player movements in the NWSL, including goalkeeper Casey Murphy signing with Boston and Chicago re-signing Alyssa Naeher.

Gier wraps up the episode with a nod to upcoming content on hockey and basketball and encourages fans to stay engaged with the evolving landscape of women’s sports.

Make sure to subscribe to The IX Sports Podcast for in-depth coverage of women’s soccer, hockey and basketball; and tune in each weekday morning for a quick overview of the biggest headlines on Women’s Sports Daily.

Written by The IX Sports