The Guardian · October 23, 2026

NWSL drops controversial criteria around ‘Rodman Rule’ in settlement with NWSLPA

The NWSL and its players union settled a dispute by eliminating restrictive criteria for the High Impact Player salary designation, now making any player eligible rather than requiring inclusion on a top 100 or marketability list. The settlement also resolves a grievance over the league's refusal to honor a Rodman contract.