A photo of the NWSL Players Association that reads, “Congratulations National Women’s Soccer League Players Association! #WeSaidNow.”

Hi John,

Just weeks after some members of the NWSL Players Association (NWSLPA) won gold with Team USA at the Paris Olympics, these athletes have made history yet again.

The union that represents all players in the NWSL just delivered a game-changing collective bargaining agreement that isn’t just a contract—it’s a declaration of independence to let players decide what’s best for their families.

Take a look at some of their historic new wins that the NWSLPA fought for that set the gold standard for all professional sports:

Eliminating the draft: The draft is an antiquated model that treats people as property to be bought and sold. The new terms will empower players to decide which team environment is the best fit for their needs and their development.
Free agency for all: Free agency results in fairness of contracts, with teams and players mutually agreeing to enter into a contractual relationship on even terms.
Guaranteed contracts: Guaranteed contracts generally prevent the league from terminating player contracts prior to the end of their term, except in limited circumstances.
No trades without player consent: This protects players from being traded against their will and without knowing in advance.
Workload management: As the league grows, the demands on players will increase. The new agreement addresses game frequency, travel conditions and time off.
Revenue sharing: For the first time, a collectively bargained salary cap will be tied to revenue sharing and a guaranteed minimum base salary cap. As the wealth of the league grows, the revenue will be shared with players. The association secured audit rights to ensure compliance with this provision.

Collective bargaining is a powerful tool in achieving women’s equality in any workplace, and the professional soccer world is no different.

Learn more about the historic NWSLPA deal at WeSaidNow.com and show your support for the @nwsl_players on social media with the #WeSaidNow hashtag.

As AFL-CIO President Liz Shuler said, “It’s a damn good day for union women in America!”

We are beyond proud to count the NWSLPA among our sports council unions and look forward to seeing them win on and off the field.

In solidarity,

Team AFL-CIO