The NWSL is experiencing growing pains. ESPN’s third annual anonymous GM survey questioned executives from all 16 clubs on the league’s thorniest debates.
Some respondents panned the new HIP device — AKA the “Rodman Rule” — allowing teams to exceed the $3.7 million salary cap on one marquee player. One called the mechanism “very much inadequate” in the global market.
Financial issues subsequently remained the top concern, with GMs referencing inflated marketing deals, hidden transfer discounts, and spousal hires. The news comes two years after Angel City was fined $200,000 and docked three points for salary cap and roster violations.
A handful of solutions drew near-unanimous backing. The execs suggested that more travel support could boost the on-field product.
GMs additionally pushed for more charter flights, currently limited to six legs per year. Many warned that heavy travel can lead to poor performance.
Despite calls to raise the cap, curb rule-breaking, and protect player health, most still dubbed the NWSL the best league in the world.
