Jeff Kassouf
@jeffkassouf.bsky.social
Lead NWSL + USWNT writer at ESPN. Founder of The Equalizer. Covering women's soccer since 2009.
Sources: #USWNT U-23 defender Ayo Oke is heading to 2026 #NWSL expansion side Denver Summit in a transfer from Pachuca for a fee that nears $450K, which is a ~Top 5 incoming NWSL fee and most for an American from outside the league. The transfer market keeps growing.
Sources: Denver to sign Oke for NWSL record fee
Denver Summit FC has agreed to a transfer with Mexico's Pachuca for defender Ayo Oke for what would be the highest incoming transfer fee for an American player in NWSL history, sources told ESPN.
www.espn.com
December 29, 2025 at 10:30 PM
Reposted by Jeff Kassouf
Wave FC and Kailen Sheridan have mutually agreed to part ways 📰 sandiegowavefc.com/san-diego-wa...
San Diego Wave FC and Goalkeeper Kailen Sheridan Mutually Agree to Part Ways - San Diego Wave Fútbol Club
SAN DIEGO (Dec. 29, 2025) – San Diego Wave FC [...]
sandiegowavefc.com
December 29, 2025 at 9:03 PM
Wave FC and Kailen Sheridan have mutually agreed to part ways 📰 sandiegowavefc.com/san-diego-wa...
Reposted by Jeff Kassouf
Who is eligible for the NWSL’s new “High Impact Player” rule money? A lot of Europeans, it turns out. @abigailsegel.bsky.social dug into the newly announced criteria to determine who exactly qualifies for the contentious new roster designation—and who doesn’t: equalizersoccer.com/2025/12/23/w...
Who exactly is eligible for HIP money?
The National Women’s Soccer League’s official announcement of its new “High Impact Player” rule included the criteria that will be used to determine which players will qualify for the new roster mecha...
equalizersoccer.com
December 23, 2025 at 10:22 PM
Who is eligible for the NWSL’s new “High Impact Player” rule money? A lot of Europeans, it turns out. @abigailsegel.bsky.social dug into the newly announced criteria to determine who exactly qualifies for the contentious new roster designation—and who doesn’t: equalizersoccer.com/2025/12/23/w...
Reposted by Jeff Kassouf
2. Alexia Putellas
5. Temwa Chawinga
13. Lucy Bronze
20. Marta
See our list of the top 50 women's soccer players in the world here👇
spr.ly/6015Ckv6
5. Temwa Chawinga
13. Lucy Bronze
20. Marta
See our list of the top 50 women's soccer players in the world here👇
spr.ly/6015Ckv6
December 24, 2025 at 2:05 PM
2. Alexia Putellas
5. Temwa Chawinga
13. Lucy Bronze
20. Marta
See our list of the top 50 women's soccer players in the world here👇
spr.ly/6015Ckv6
5. Temwa Chawinga
13. Lucy Bronze
20. Marta
See our list of the top 50 women's soccer players in the world here👇
spr.ly/6015Ckv6
The #NWSL transaction moratorium is here but of course that wouldn't stop announcements of who knows what kind. Happy Holidays people ✌️
December 24, 2025 at 2:17 AM
The #NWSL transaction moratorium is here but of course that wouldn't stop announcements of who knows what kind. Happy Holidays people ✌️
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...
Sources: Current to hire Armas as new head coach
The Kansas City Current have agreed to terms to hire Chris Armas as the team's new head coach, multiple sources confirmed to ESPN.
www.espn.com
December 23, 2025 at 8:20 PM
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...
Full story on the #NWSL announcing the new High Impact Player rule we've been reporting... and the NWSLPA reaffirming its opposition to it, from @jeffreycarlisle.bsky.social:
www.espn.com/soccer/story...
www.espn.com/soccer/story...
NWSL OKs 'Rodman rule' even as union objects
The NWSL on Tuesday announced the creation of what has been referred to internally as the "High Impact Player" rule (HIP), which would allow teams to spend up to $1 million outside of the salary cap o...
www.espn.com
December 23, 2025 at 5:50 PM
Full story on the #NWSL announcing the new High Impact Player rule we've been reporting... and the NWSLPA reaffirming its opposition to it, from @jeffreycarlisle.bsky.social:
www.espn.com/soccer/story...
www.espn.com/soccer/story...
The NWSLPA has announced its continued opposition to the #NWSL's High Impact Player rule.
"The League’s unilateral action leaves the NWSLPA no choice but to take action to enforce the rights of the Players we represent."
Meghann Burke detailed why here: www.espn.com/soccer/story...
"The League’s unilateral action leaves the NWSLPA no choice but to take action to enforce the rights of the Players we represent."
Meghann Burke detailed why here: www.espn.com/soccer/story...
December 23, 2025 at 5:37 PM
The NWSLPA has announced its continued opposition to the #NWSL's High Impact Player rule.
"The League’s unilateral action leaves the NWSLPA no choice but to take action to enforce the rights of the Players we represent."
Meghann Burke detailed why here: www.espn.com/soccer/story...
"The League’s unilateral action leaves the NWSLPA no choice but to take action to enforce the rights of the Players we represent."
Meghann Burke detailed why here: www.espn.com/soccer/story...
Full release from the #NWSL, including all the criteria to be a "High Impact Player" (must meet one of these points).
www.nwslsoccer.com/news/nwsl-in...
www.nwslsoccer.com/news/nwsl-in...
December 23, 2025 at 4:23 PM
Full release from the #NWSL, including all the criteria to be a "High Impact Player" (must meet one of these points).
www.nwslsoccer.com/news/nwsl-in...
www.nwslsoccer.com/news/nwsl-in...
The #NWSL has announced the High Impact Player rule, as ESPN reported on in recent weeks. $1M over cap for stars that take at least 12% cap hit and meet criteria.
New wrinkle: Effective July 1 🤔
Background:
www.espn.com/soccer/story...
New wrinkle: Effective July 1 🤔
Background:
www.espn.com/soccer/story...
Sources: NWSL 'star' salaries tied to player profile
The NWSL's board of governors approved a new roster mechanism to pay select star players above and beyond the current salary cap, multiple sources confirmed to ESPN.
www.espn.com
December 23, 2025 at 4:11 PM
The #NWSL has announced the High Impact Player rule, as ESPN reported on in recent weeks. $1M over cap for stars that take at least 12% cap hit and meet criteria.
New wrinkle: Effective July 1 🤔
Background:
www.espn.com/soccer/story...
New wrinkle: Effective July 1 🤔
Background:
www.espn.com/soccer/story...
#USWNT forward Cat Macario is drawing interest from several #NWSL teams, sources tell ESPN. She's out of contract this summer. The NWSL's potential rule change for star players could play a role in how competitive NWSL teams will be.
www.espn.com/soccer/story...
www.espn.com/soccer/story...
Sources: Chelsea's Macario draws NWSL interest
Several NWSL teams are interested in acquiring Chelsea and United States forward Catarina Macario, multiple sources confirmed to ESPN.
www.espn.com
December 22, 2025 at 4:10 PM
#USWNT forward Cat Macario is drawing interest from several #NWSL teams, sources tell ESPN. She's out of contract this summer. The NWSL's potential rule change for star players could play a role in how competitive NWSL teams will be.
www.espn.com/soccer/story...
www.espn.com/soccer/story...
Boston Legacy will play some 2026 games in Pawtucket, RI, due to conflicts at Gillette. White Stadium should be ready in 2027, yes, but a nomadic launch is the antithesis what was expected and celebrated when the #NWSL approved Boston 3 years ago as a step toward more controlled venues.
December 19, 2025 at 5:34 PM
Boston Legacy will play some 2026 games in Pawtucket, RI, due to conflicts at Gillette. White Stadium should be ready in 2027, yes, but a nomadic launch is the antithesis what was expected and celebrated when the #NWSL approved Boston 3 years ago as a step toward more controlled venues.
I've seen this asked a lot so to be explicit: Sophia Wilson's 2026 player option and the proposed High Impact Player rule are totally unrelated. Wilson's option was defined in her contract signed in 2024. HIP is not yet a ratified rule (and the NWSLPA's opposition casts doubt over that happening).
December 19, 2025 at 4:28 PM
I've seen this asked a lot so to be explicit: Sophia Wilson's 2026 player option and the proposed High Impact Player rule are totally unrelated. Wilson's option was defined in her contract signed in 2024. HIP is not yet a ratified rule (and the NWSLPA's opposition casts doubt over that happening).
BREAKING: The NWSLPA opposes the #NWSL's proposed "High Impact Player" rule. PA exec. dir. Meghann Burke tells @espn.com that the NWSL is controlling and interfering with which players can access a certain pot of funds. The PA's proposal is to raise the cap by $1M, the proposed "HIP" amount. MORE:
NWSLPA opposes cap plan for stars like Rodman
The NWSLPA has expressed opposition to an NWSL proposal to create a new rule to pay star players outside of the cap, further clouding the league's next steps in competing with top European clubs for e...
www.espn.com
December 18, 2025 at 6:44 PM
As we talk about the top end of women's soccer players and speak in millions, another FIFPRO study reminds of the realities of global minimum standards:
66% of players make <$20K
25% have outside jobs
33% have contract of <1 year
22% have no contract
The study:
www.fifpro.org/en/articles/...
66% of players make <$20K
25% have outside jobs
33% have contract of <1 year
22% have no contract
The study:
www.fifpro.org/en/articles/...
Latest FIFPRO player survey highlights growth in some confederations – but players feel current gaps still need addressed
A FIFPRO survey which collected responses from 383 footballers from over 40 nations who competed in this year’s women’s confederation championships provides an illustration of how players experience t...
www.fifpro.org
December 18, 2025 at 3:47 PM
As we talk about the top end of women's soccer players and speak in millions, another FIFPRO study reminds of the realities of global minimum standards:
66% of players make <$20K
25% have outside jobs
33% have contract of <1 year
22% have no contract
The study:
www.fifpro.org/en/articles/...
66% of players make <$20K
25% have outside jobs
33% have contract of <1 year
22% have no contract
The study:
www.fifpro.org/en/articles/...
Today, Wednesday, marked 14 days from the NWSLPA's grievance filed on behalf of Trinity Rodman against the NWSL. Sources tell me that the deadline for the league's response to sustain or deny the grievance in writing has been extended.
Full context of the grievance and process 👇
Full context of the grievance and process 👇
The NWSLPA has filed a grievance against the #NWSL on behalf of Trinity Rodman for a "flagrant violation" of Rodman's free agency rights, and multiple CBA violations after a multi-year, multi-million dollar agreement between Rodman and the Spirit was vetoed by the league.
NWSLPA files grievance in vetoed Rodman offer
NWSLPA files grievance against league in Trinity Rodman contract offer
www.espn.com
December 18, 2025 at 1:44 AM
Today, Wednesday, marked 14 days from the NWSLPA's grievance filed on behalf of Trinity Rodman against the NWSL. Sources tell me that the deadline for the league's response to sustain or deny the grievance in writing has been extended.
Full context of the grievance and process 👇
Full context of the grievance and process 👇
Sophia Wilson returning in 2026 is really important for the #NWSL, too. Fun, talented, get-you-out--of-your-seat player that was missed (for the absolute best reason, to become a mom) in 2025.
Good news for the Thorns AND for NWSL amid a year of concerns about losing elite talent to Europe.
Good news for the Thorns AND for NWSL amid a year of concerns about losing elite talent to Europe.
December 17, 2025 at 6:03 PM
Sophia Wilson returning in 2026 is really important for the #NWSL, too. Fun, talented, get-you-out--of-your-seat player that was missed (for the absolute best reason, to become a mom) in 2025.
Good news for the Thorns AND for NWSL amid a year of concerns about losing elite talent to Europe.
Good news for the Thorns AND for NWSL amid a year of concerns about losing elite talent to Europe.
Sophia Wilson will return to the Portland Thorns after executing her player option for 2026. It's huge, positive news for the Thorns (and #NWSL), who missed her this year. Wilson is a game-changer who carried Portland to a 2022 title as NWSL MVP. She was already NWSL's highest paid player annually.
Source: Wilson's $1M Thorns option an NWSL mark
Forward Sophia Wilson will return to the Portland Thorns FC in 2026 by executing her player option, the team confirmed on Wednesday.
www.espn.com
December 17, 2025 at 5:54 PM
Sophia Wilson will return to the Portland Thorns after executing her player option for 2026. It's huge, positive news for the Thorns (and #NWSL), who missed her this year. Wilson is a game-changer who carried Portland to a 2022 title as NWSL MVP. She was already NWSL's highest paid player annually.
Reposted by Jeff Kassouf
AITANA BONMATI'S RESUME IS STACKED 🐐
🏆 FIFA Women's Player of the Year 3x
🏆 Ballon d'Or Féminin 3x
🏆 UEFA Women's Champions League Player of the Season 3x
🏆 FIFA Women's World Cup
🏆 Laureus Sportswoman of the Year
🏆 UEFA Women's Nations League MVP
🏆 FIFA Women's World
🏆 FIFA Women's Player of the Year 3x
🏆 Ballon d'Or Féminin 3x
🏆 UEFA Women's Champions League Player of the Season 3x
🏆 FIFA Women's World Cup
🏆 Laureus Sportswoman of the Year
🏆 UEFA Women's Nations League MVP
🏆 FIFA Women's World
December 16, 2025 at 9:14 PM
AITANA BONMATI'S RESUME IS STACKED 🐐
🏆 FIFA Women's Player of the Year 3x
🏆 Ballon d'Or Féminin 3x
🏆 UEFA Women's Champions League Player of the Season 3x
🏆 FIFA Women's World Cup
🏆 Laureus Sportswoman of the Year
🏆 UEFA Women's Nations League MVP
🏆 FIFA Women's World
🏆 FIFA Women's Player of the Year 3x
🏆 Ballon d'Or Féminin 3x
🏆 UEFA Women's Champions League Player of the Season 3x
🏆 FIFA Women's World Cup
🏆 Laureus Sportswoman of the Year
🏆 UEFA Women's Nations League MVP
🏆 FIFA Women's World
Marta, the winner of the first Marta Award for women's goal of the year, loses out on the second annual eponymous award to Jacquie Ovalle, now a teammate of Marta. This award is off to an epic start.
(The Ovalle goal is a worthy winner TBC, although Marta had a strong shout again.)
(The Ovalle goal is a worthy winner TBC, although Marta had a strong shout again.)
December 16, 2025 at 3:01 PM
Marta, the winner of the first Marta Award for women's goal of the year, loses out on the second annual eponymous award to Jacquie Ovalle, now a teammate of Marta. This award is off to an epic start.
(The Ovalle goal is a worthy winner TBC, although Marta had a strong shout again.)
(The Ovalle goal is a worthy winner TBC, although Marta had a strong shout again.)
Reposted by Jeff Kassouf
JACQUIE OVALLE'S SCORPION KICK WINS MARTA AWARD 🏆
The Orlando Pride and former Tigres forward wins the 2025 FIFA Marta Award, given to the goal of the year in women's soccer. Magic from'La Maga' ⚽️🪄🇲🇽
The Orlando Pride and former Tigres forward wins the 2025 FIFA Marta Award, given to the goal of the year in women's soccer. Magic from'La Maga' ⚽️🪄🇲🇽
December 16, 2025 at 2:54 PM
JACQUIE OVALLE'S SCORPION KICK WINS MARTA AWARD 🏆
The Orlando Pride and former Tigres forward wins the 2025 FIFA Marta Award, given to the goal of the year in women's soccer. Magic from'La Maga' ⚽️🪄🇲🇽
The Orlando Pride and former Tigres forward wins the 2025 FIFA Marta Award, given to the goal of the year in women's soccer. Magic from'La Maga' ⚽️🪄🇲🇽
#NWSL goalkeeper news:
Chicago signs Katie Lund to a a 3-year. Alyssa Naeher is back w/Chicago for 2026. Lund could be long-term new No. 1
Casey Murphy to Boston is now official, as ESPN reported in October. Big investment: 4 years + option. I'm told $1.5M guaranteed.
www.espn.com/soccer/story...
Chicago signs Katie Lund to a a 3-year. Alyssa Naeher is back w/Chicago for 2026. Lund could be long-term new No. 1
Casey Murphy to Boston is now official, as ESPN reported in October. Big investment: 4 years + option. I'm told $1.5M guaranteed.
www.espn.com/soccer/story...
Source: NWSL's Legacy sign Murphy to $1.5M deal
Goalkeeper Casey Murphy has signed one of the most lucrative guaranteed deals for a goalkeeper in NWSL history with Boston Legacy FC, a source confirmed to ESPN.
www.espn.com
December 15, 2025 at 8:48 PM
#NWSL goalkeeper news:
Chicago signs Katie Lund to a a 3-year. Alyssa Naeher is back w/Chicago for 2026. Lund could be long-term new No. 1
Casey Murphy to Boston is now official, as ESPN reported in October. Big investment: 4 years + option. I'm told $1.5M guaranteed.
www.espn.com/soccer/story...
Chicago signs Katie Lund to a a 3-year. Alyssa Naeher is back w/Chicago for 2026. Lund could be long-term new No. 1
Casey Murphy to Boston is now official, as ESPN reported in October. Big investment: 4 years + option. I'm told $1.5M guaranteed.
www.espn.com/soccer/story...
Lazio scores a late game-winner on the road playing 9 v 11 🤯
December 13, 2025 at 6:59 PM
Lazio scores a late game-winner on the road playing 9 v 11 🤯