Courtney Stith
@courtneystith.com
a silly goose | Tweeting about/reporting on Gotham + WoSo | @diasporautdpod.bsky.social @nwslmedia | @CBSSportsGolazo @attackingthird | UVA alum | can’t eat gluten
Reposted by Courtney Stith
The Netflix and Amazon broadcasts are a great reminder that live sports is a deeply, deeply difficult type of TV that requires huge crews of profoundly skilled and experienced people who have worked together for a long time to look natural
December 26, 2025 at 12:54 AM
The Netflix and Amazon broadcasts are a great reminder that live sports is a deeply, deeply difficult type of TV that requires huge crews of profoundly skilled and experienced people who have worked together for a long time to look natural
Reposted by Courtney Stith
So, if you’re an NWSL GM, you are not allowed to decide yourself — using all of the tools of a pro team’s front office — that a Player has a High-enough Impact to warrant a certain salary. But you *are* allowed to vote on a list that would determine that that Player has a High-enough Impact.
Sure.
Sure.
The ESPN FC top 50 is here and we need to talk about the sudden conflict of interest the league has created with the high-impact player rule.
With coaches and GMs weighing in on these lists, they can influence whether or not their players can get a bag.
www.espn.com/soccer/story...
With coaches and GMs weighing in on these lists, they can influence whether or not their players can get a bag.
www.espn.com/soccer/story...
December 24, 2025 at 4:44 PM
So, if you’re an NWSL GM, you are not allowed to decide yourself — using all of the tools of a pro team’s front office — that a Player has a High-enough Impact to warrant a certain salary. But you *are* allowed to vote on a list that would determine that that Player has a High-enough Impact.
Sure.
Sure.
Reposted by Courtney Stith
An expert panel without a single Black voice on it? I knew y'all thought we weren't smart. I didn't think you'd be so blatant. I didn't even see CAF representation despite having CAF players listed. Before you get mad at me for pointing it out, look within.
The ESPN FC top 50 is here and we need to talk about the sudden conflict of interest the league has created with the high-impact player rule.
With coaches and GMs weighing in on these lists, they can influence whether or not their players can get a bag.
www.espn.com/soccer/story...
With coaches and GMs weighing in on these lists, they can influence whether or not their players can get a bag.
www.espn.com/soccer/story...
December 24, 2025 at 5:47 PM
An expert panel without a single Black voice on it? I knew y'all thought we weren't smart. I didn't think you'd be so blatant. I didn't even see CAF representation despite having CAF players listed. Before you get mad at me for pointing it out, look within.
Where my background singers?!?!?!
Iykyk
Iykyk
December 25, 2025 at 2:16 AM
Where my background singers?!?!?!
Iykyk
Iykyk
This list is also aggressively lacks folks from outside the U.S., Europe and Australia. Where are the folks closely covering African and South American (and frankly non NWSL North American) football
The ESPN FC top 50 is here and we need to talk about the sudden conflict of interest the league has created with the high-impact player rule.
With coaches and GMs weighing in on these lists, they can influence whether or not their players can get a bag.
www.espn.com/soccer/story...
With coaches and GMs weighing in on these lists, they can influence whether or not their players can get a bag.
www.espn.com/soccer/story...
December 24, 2025 at 10:42 PM
This list is also aggressively lacks folks from outside the U.S., Europe and Australia. Where are the folks closely covering African and South American (and frankly non NWSL North American) football
Reposted by Courtney Stith
With the Red Bulls, he started 12-3-3 coming in mid-season, and they won the 2018 Supporters Shield (which required a season-ending 5-game winning streak to secure, during which they conceded 1 goal).
But that also means that from 2019 on he went 53W-28D-69L.
But that also means that from 2019 on he went 53W-28D-69L.
December 23, 2025 at 8:39 PM
With the Red Bulls, he started 12-3-3 coming in mid-season, and they won the 2018 Supporters Shield (which required a season-ending 5-game winning streak to secure, during which they conceded 1 goal).
But that also means that from 2019 on he went 53W-28D-69L.
But that also means that from 2019 on he went 53W-28D-69L.
someone saw this and said more!!
Armas' record as an MLS head coach over ~4.5 seasons: 65W-31D-72L.
BREAKING: The Kansas City Current are finalizing a deal to hire Chris Armas as head coach, sources tell ESPN. Armas most recently coached MLS' Colorado Rapids. KC Current won the #NWSL Shield in 2025.
Story with @jeffreycarlisle.bsky.social:
www.espn.com/soccer/story...
Story with @jeffreycarlisle.bsky.social:
www.espn.com/soccer/story...
December 23, 2025 at 8:35 PM
someone saw this and said more!!
Reposted by Courtney Stith
Oh wow, that's crazy that there's a second sports-playing Aitana Bonmati that they listed Sophie Cunningham above because there's no way the Aitana Bonmati that plays for Barcelona & has been named Best Player in the World for three years in a row is behind the 5th (6th?) best Indiana Fever player.
I got the full list of the sports pro media most 150 marketable athletes and they list Sophie Cunningham over Aitana Bonmati
December 23, 2025 at 6:32 PM
Oh wow, that's crazy that there's a second sports-playing Aitana Bonmati that they listed Sophie Cunningham above because there's no way the Aitana Bonmati that plays for Barcelona & has been named Best Player in the World for three years in a row is behind the 5th (6th?) best Indiana Fever player.
Reposted by Courtney Stith
Women's soccer players on the SportsPro Media Top 150 Most Marketable Athletes list:
46: Beth Mead
63. Aitana Bonmati
70. Lucy Bronze
71. Mary Earps
79. Millie Bright
120. Trinity Rodman
123. Mapi Leon
127. Lindsey Heaps
137. Lauren James
138. Sophia Wilson
139. Marta
141. Pernille Harder
46: Beth Mead
63. Aitana Bonmati
70. Lucy Bronze
71. Mary Earps
79. Millie Bright
120. Trinity Rodman
123. Mapi Leon
127. Lindsey Heaps
137. Lauren James
138. Sophia Wilson
139. Marta
141. Pernille Harder
December 23, 2025 at 4:26 PM
Women's soccer players on the SportsPro Media Top 150 Most Marketable Athletes list:
46: Beth Mead
63. Aitana Bonmati
70. Lucy Bronze
71. Mary Earps
79. Millie Bright
120. Trinity Rodman
123. Mapi Leon
127. Lindsey Heaps
137. Lauren James
138. Sophia Wilson
139. Marta
141. Pernille Harder
46: Beth Mead
63. Aitana Bonmati
70. Lucy Bronze
71. Mary Earps
79. Millie Bright
120. Trinity Rodman
123. Mapi Leon
127. Lindsey Heaps
137. Lauren James
138. Sophia Wilson
139. Marta
141. Pernille Harder
Maybe someone thought people would hear about the rule and go hip hip hooray
December 23, 2025 at 6:13 PM
Maybe someone thought people would hear about the rule and go hip hip hooray
I got the full list of the sports pro media most 150 marketable athletes and they list Sophie Cunningham over Aitana Bonmati
December 23, 2025 at 6:06 PM
I got the full list of the sports pro media most 150 marketable athletes and they list Sophie Cunningham over Aitana Bonmati
Screaming because a player like Midge Purce falls out of the criteria for an HIP contract but you have worms for brains if you think she’s not an extremely marketable player
December 23, 2025 at 6:06 PM
Screaming because a player like Midge Purce falls out of the criteria for an HIP contract but you have worms for brains if you think she’s not an extremely marketable player
Reposted by Courtney Stith
Giggling as the Chicago Stars announcing Alozie at the same time the NWSL dropped a bomb
December 23, 2025 at 5:57 PM
Giggling as the Chicago Stars announcing Alozie at the same time the NWSL dropped a bomb
Reposted by Courtney Stith
A new force in the back 🛡️
Chicago Stars FC have acquired defender Michelle Alozie from the Houston Dash in exchange for allocation money and signed her through 2028.
Welcome to Chicago, Michelle!
📰: chicagostars.com/first-team/c...
Chicago Stars FC have acquired defender Michelle Alozie from the Houston Dash in exchange for allocation money and signed her through 2028.
Welcome to Chicago, Michelle!
📰: chicagostars.com/first-team/c...
December 23, 2025 at 4:00 PM
A new force in the back 🛡️
Chicago Stars FC have acquired defender Michelle Alozie from the Houston Dash in exchange for allocation money and signed her through 2028.
Welcome to Chicago, Michelle!
📰: chicagostars.com/first-team/c...
Chicago Stars FC have acquired defender Michelle Alozie from the Houston Dash in exchange for allocation money and signed her through 2028.
Welcome to Chicago, Michelle!
📰: chicagostars.com/first-team/c...
Reposted by Courtney Stith
You also just made Emma's job that much harder. Callups mean a real difference in money now. And ONLY for the USWNT. We are back to pre-2021.
December 23, 2025 at 4:12 PM
You also just made Emma's job that much harder. Callups mean a real difference in money now. And ONLY for the USWNT. We are back to pre-2021.
Emma’s substitution pattern/rotation plans/pain caves getting to dictate if a player gets a huge contract or not…what are we doing here. Let the teams decide who is a high impact player or not!!!
OK, so the league clarified that it's the Top 11 in *either* 2024 or 2025. Here's the list. Players highlighted in yellow qualify for HIP.
Even with this clarification, you've created a situation where Michelle Cooper was just 21 minutes from being eligible for a massive contract.
Even with this clarification, you've created a situation where Michelle Cooper was just 21 minutes from being eligible for a massive contract.
December 23, 2025 at 5:45 PM
Emma’s substitution pattern/rotation plans/pain caves getting to dictate if a player gets a huge contract or not…what are we doing here. Let the teams decide who is a high impact player or not!!!
Reposted by Courtney Stith
OK, so the league clarified that it's the Top 11 in *either* 2024 or 2025. Here's the list. Players highlighted in yellow qualify for HIP.
Even with this clarification, you've created a situation where Michelle Cooper was just 21 minutes from being eligible for a massive contract.
Even with this clarification, you've created a situation where Michelle Cooper was just 21 minutes from being eligible for a massive contract.
December 23, 2025 at 5:42 PM
OK, so the league clarified that it's the Top 11 in *either* 2024 or 2025. Here's the list. Players highlighted in yellow qualify for HIP.
Even with this clarification, you've created a situation where Michelle Cooper was just 21 minutes from being eligible for a massive contract.
Even with this clarification, you've created a situation where Michelle Cooper was just 21 minutes from being eligible for a massive contract.
Reposted by Courtney Stith
Call this what it is: this is the NWSL's version of the NBA Supermax rule. It's not a Designated Player rule by any stretch. It's highly contingent on criteria that is 1000% subjective and reliant on European media to actually pay attention to the league, which they have proven not to do.
The NWSL introduces the High Impact Player rule.
Read more for the full list of criteria: bit.ly/4auEpL9
Read more for the full list of criteria: bit.ly/4auEpL9
December 23, 2025 at 4:11 PM
Call this what it is: this is the NWSL's version of the NBA Supermax rule. It's not a Designated Player rule by any stretch. It's highly contingent on criteria that is 1000% subjective and reliant on European media to actually pay attention to the league, which they have proven not to do.
Reposted by Courtney Stith
Heard buzz over 2025 that the league, owners, and possibly CSOs were all feeling that player power had gone too far in NWSL, and can't help but think today's HIP announcement is linked.
Doesn't seem to have gone over well!
Doesn't seem to have gone over well!
December 23, 2025 at 5:23 PM
Heard buzz over 2025 that the league, owners, and possibly CSOs were all feeling that player power had gone too far in NWSL, and can't help but think today's HIP announcement is linked.
Doesn't seem to have gone over well!
Doesn't seem to have gone over well!
Reposted by Courtney Stith
The more I read on this “High Impact Player Rule” the more I am scratching my head.
HOW, NWSL?!
Also — WHY???
HOW, NWSL?!
Also — WHY???
December 23, 2025 at 5:40 PM
The more I read on this “High Impact Player Rule” the more I am scratching my head.
HOW, NWSL?!
Also — WHY???
HOW, NWSL?!
Also — WHY???
Still silly but sure what the hell
Per an NWSL spokesperson:
The criteria for top 11 in USWNT minutes is not cumulative and can be accomplished in either of the previous two years.
The criteria for top 11 in USWNT minutes is not cumulative and can be accomplished in either of the previous two years.
INBOX: NWSL Introduces High Impact Player Rule.
"NWSL to Invest Up to $115 Million in Additional Player Compensation Over the Term of the Current Collective Bargaining Agreement"
The official HIP criteria:
"NWSL to Invest Up to $115 Million in Additional Player Compensation Over the Term of the Current Collective Bargaining Agreement"
The official HIP criteria:
December 23, 2025 at 5:39 PM
Still silly but sure what the hell
I have a lot of things to say, but ultimately you can’t have players contracts be dictated by media members - no matter which way you put it, the media is dictating the majority of these awards. Yes I know for some player and coaches vote too but the majority is dictated by media
December 23, 2025 at 5:31 PM
I have a lot of things to say, but ultimately you can’t have players contracts be dictated by media members - no matter which way you put it, the media is dictating the majority of these awards. Yes I know for some player and coaches vote too but the majority is dictated by media
Reposted by Courtney Stith
It’s almost like the Black players are about to miss out on the money because of this new rubric.
Need someone to verify, but I think this is the list of USWNT players who are eligible for HIP and the first method by which they qualify (several qualify through multiple categories)
Players like Lily Yohannes, Jaedyn Shaw, Catarina Macario, and Alyssa Thompson wouldn't qualify!
Players like Lily Yohannes, Jaedyn Shaw, Catarina Macario, and Alyssa Thompson wouldn't qualify!
December 23, 2025 at 4:56 PM
It’s almost like the Black players are about to miss out on the money because of this new rubric.