Meg Linehan
@meglinehan.com
Women's Sports Lead at The Athletic & co-host of Full Time. (& also UTFG.)
🌐 meglinehan.com 🎙️ fulltimepod.com
🌐 meglinehan.com 🎙️ fulltimepod.com
Reposted by Meg Linehan
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.
I’m not about to lose a vacation day to write a column on this but please know one part of my brain is trying to figure out where this goes on the power ranking of dumb NWSL decisions. The eligibility criteria is somehow worse even though we sort of knew it.
December 23, 2025 at 4:33 PM
I’m not about to lose a vacation day to write a column on this but please know one part of my brain is trying to figure out where this goes on the power ranking of dumb NWSL decisions. The eligibility criteria is somehow worse even though we sort of knew it.
Reposted by Meg Linehan
A Trinity, if you will
December 23, 2025 at 4:23 PM
A Trinity, if you will
Reposted by Meg Linehan
Spirits, if you will?
December 23, 2025 at 4:21 PM
Spirits, if you will?
The NWSL needs to be visited by three ghosts this Christmas Eve.
December 23, 2025 at 4:19 PM
The NWSL needs to be visited by three ghosts this Christmas Eve.
Reposted by Meg Linehan
Sorry it is sadly so funny to me that we hit peak women’s sports confluence today where the WNBA and the NWSL are both publicly arguing with their PA’s
December 18, 2025 at 10:46 PM
Sorry it is sadly so funny to me that we hit peak women’s sports confluence today where the WNBA and the NWSL are both publicly arguing with their PA’s
hi and bye from vacation www.nytimes.com/athletic/690...
NWSL Players Association opposes new star player rule change proposal
Any resolution from the proposed rule change would not guarantee Trinity Rodman stays in the league, nor does it solve the open grievance.
www.nytimes.com
December 18, 2025 at 9:41 PM
hi and bye from vacation www.nytimes.com/athletic/690...
Reposted by Meg Linehan
Vermont’s undisputed champion joins the MLS Cup Champions.
Maximilian Kissel—the two-time national champ with Vermont Green and UVM— is selected by Inter Miami CF with the final pick in the 2026 MLS SuperDraft.
Congratulations, Maxi! 💚
Maximilian Kissel—the two-time national champ with Vermont Green and UVM— is selected by Inter Miami CF with the final pick in the 2026 MLS SuperDraft.
Congratulations, Maxi! 💚
December 18, 2025 at 8:54 PM
Vermont’s undisputed champion joins the MLS Cup Champions.
Maximilian Kissel—the two-time national champ with Vermont Green and UVM— is selected by Inter Miami CF with the final pick in the 2026 MLS SuperDraft.
Congratulations, Maxi! 💚
Maximilian Kissel—the two-time national champ with Vermont Green and UVM— is selected by Inter Miami CF with the final pick in the 2026 MLS SuperDraft.
Congratulations, Maxi! 💚
Reposted by Meg Linehan
EXCLUSIVE: #USWNT forward Sophia Wilson is staying with the Portland Thorns for the 2026 season.
The former NWSL champion and Olympic gold medalist spoke exclusively to The Athletic about her decision, becoming a mom and her continued drive to win.
🔗: www.nytimes.com/athletic/689...
The former NWSL champion and Olympic gold medalist spoke exclusively to The Athletic about her decision, becoming a mom and her continued drive to win.
🔗: www.nytimes.com/athletic/689...
December 17, 2025 at 3:35 PM
EXCLUSIVE: #USWNT forward Sophia Wilson is staying with the Portland Thorns for the 2026 season.
The former NWSL champion and Olympic gold medalist spoke exclusively to The Athletic about her decision, becoming a mom and her continued drive to win.
🔗: www.nytimes.com/athletic/689...
The former NWSL champion and Olympic gold medalist spoke exclusively to The Athletic about her decision, becoming a mom and her continued drive to win.
🔗: www.nytimes.com/athletic/689...
“It will be even more special and full circle going back to Portland with my daughter.”
Sophia Wilson is officially back with the Thorns for 2026. I spoke with her in an exclusive for @theathletic.com on her decision to stay in Portland, a place she calls home.
www.nytimes.com/athletic/689...
Sophia Wilson is officially back with the Thorns for 2026. I spoke with her in an exclusive for @theathletic.com on her decision to stay in Portland, a place she calls home.
www.nytimes.com/athletic/689...
USWNT’s Sophia Wilson returns home to Portland for 2026 season: ‘I miss playing in Providence Park’
The U.S. forward said the comfort of returning to Portland is what she needed following the birth of her daughter.
www.nytimes.com
December 17, 2025 at 3:35 PM
“It will be even more special and full circle going back to Portland with my daughter.”
Sophia Wilson is officially back with the Thorns for 2026. I spoke with her in an exclusive for @theathletic.com on her decision to stay in Portland, a place she calls home.
www.nytimes.com/athletic/689...
Sophia Wilson is officially back with the Thorns for 2026. I spoke with her in an exclusive for @theathletic.com on her decision to stay in Portland, a place she calls home.
www.nytimes.com/athletic/689...
this fake job listing (for Dior!) phishing email really starts with a bang at least
December 16, 2025 at 9:03 PM
this fake job listing (for Dior!) phishing email really starts with a bang at least
Reposted by Meg Linehan
Pricing for 90% of the supporters tickets remains unchanged.
But 10% — or 1.6% of the total ticket inventory — now priced at $60, per FIFA.
But 10% — or 1.6% of the total ticket inventory — now priced at $60, per FIFA.
December 16, 2025 at 6:23 PM
Pricing for 90% of the supporters tickets remains unchanged.
But 10% — or 1.6% of the total ticket inventory — now priced at $60, per FIFA.
But 10% — or 1.6% of the total ticket inventory — now priced at $60, per FIFA.
player salaries should definitely be influenced by award lists, what could go wrong
The Fifa Best women's XI for 2025:
Hampton, Bronze, Williamson, Paredes, Batlle, Bonmati, Guijarro, Pina, Caldentey, Russo, Putellas.
#Lionesses
Hampton, Bronze, Williamson, Paredes, Batlle, Bonmati, Guijarro, Pina, Caldentey, Russo, Putellas.
#Lionesses
December 16, 2025 at 5:54 PM
player salaries should definitely be influenced by award lists, what could go wrong
The ref in the college cup just made the MOST dramatic pause before declaring the OT game winner as a good goal, I’m still cackling at how long he waited before revealing his call.
December 16, 2025 at 2:27 AM
The ref in the college cup just made the MOST dramatic pause before declaring the OT game winner as a good goal, I’m still cackling at how long he waited before revealing his call.
I was wrong about you, and that’s on me.
December 16, 2025 at 12:41 AM
I was wrong about you, and that’s on me.
Reposted by Meg Linehan
I’m not sure I’ll ever find the right words for this.
In October, my service dog died suddenly. If you’ve seen me, in a stadium, on a sideline, in a press box, you’ve seen her.
While I mourn her, I must look forward to find her successor. Please share & consider donating if able
gofund.me/599149570
In October, my service dog died suddenly. If you’ve seen me, in a stadium, on a sideline, in a press box, you’ve seen her.
While I mourn her, I must look forward to find her successor. Please share & consider donating if able
gofund.me/599149570
Donate to Help Peyton Regain Independence After Loss of Service Dog, organized by Peyton Skeels
My name is Peyton, and I am fundraising to bring home and trai… Peyton Skeels needs your support for Help Peyton Regain Independence After Loss of Service Dog
gofund.me
December 9, 2025 at 2:25 AM
I’m not sure I’ll ever find the right words for this.
In October, my service dog died suddenly. If you’ve seen me, in a stadium, on a sideline, in a press box, you’ve seen her.
While I mourn her, I must look forward to find her successor. Please share & consider donating if able
gofund.me/599149570
In October, my service dog died suddenly. If you’ve seen me, in a stadium, on a sideline, in a press box, you’ve seen her.
While I mourn her, I must look forward to find her successor. Please share & consider donating if able
gofund.me/599149570
I really didn’t expect to do a little cry in the middle of Wake Up Dead Man but whew, That Scene got me.
December 14, 2025 at 11:23 PM
I really didn’t expect to do a little cry in the middle of Wake Up Dead Man but whew, That Scene got me.
Reposted by Meg Linehan
It is critical that collective bargaining agreements be honored in accordance with federal labor laws—especially at a time of tremendous growth for women’s sports.
All women—including women athletes—deserve fair pay and to be treated well at work.
democraticwomenscaucus.house.gov/news/documen...
All women—including women athletes—deserve fair pay and to be treated well at work.
democraticwomenscaucus.house.gov/news/documen...
DWC and House Democrats Urge National Women’s Soccer League to Uphold Collective Bargaining Agreement
democraticwomenscaucus.house.gov
December 11, 2025 at 11:46 PM
It is critical that collective bargaining agreements be honored in accordance with federal labor laws—especially at a time of tremendous growth for women’s sports.
All women—including women athletes—deserve fair pay and to be treated well at work.
democraticwomenscaucus.house.gov/news/documen...
All women—including women athletes—deserve fair pay and to be treated well at work.
democraticwomenscaucus.house.gov/news/documen...
A rule change on the NWSL salary cap is imminent from the NWSL board of governors that could help pay top players like Trinity Rodman. No new contract yet though — and Congress has taken interest, too 👀
New at @theathletic.com www.nytimes.com/athletic/688...
New at @theathletic.com www.nytimes.com/athletic/688...
NWSL board in advanced talks to add funds to pay players like Rodman competitive salaries: Sources
Trinity Rodman's ongoing negotiations were the impetus for the board vote, but sources say the rule is bigger than one player.
www.nytimes.com
December 11, 2025 at 11:29 PM
A rule change on the NWSL salary cap is imminent from the NWSL board of governors that could help pay top players like Trinity Rodman. No new contract yet though — and Congress has taken interest, too 👀
New at @theathletic.com www.nytimes.com/athletic/688...
New at @theathletic.com www.nytimes.com/athletic/688...
Reposted by Meg Linehan
Big news out of Chicago this morning: Alyssa Naeher has re-signed with the Stars through 2026. In announcing the move, she says, "I feel like I still have more to give."
www.nytimes.com/athletic/687...
www.nytimes.com/athletic/687...
Alyssa Naeher re-signs with Chicago Stars through 2026
www.nytimes.com
December 10, 2025 at 5:34 PM
Big news out of Chicago this morning: Alyssa Naeher has re-signed with the Stars through 2026. In announcing the move, she says, "I feel like I still have more to give."
www.nytimes.com/athletic/687...
www.nytimes.com/athletic/687...
Reposted by Meg Linehan
are we still on about em dashes and ai. imo human writers should just use the em dashes even harder. we should be out here pummeling out those em dashes like we're emily dickinson
December 10, 2025 at 3:22 AM
are we still on about em dashes and ai. imo human writers should just use the em dashes even harder. we should be out here pummeling out those em dashes like we're emily dickinson
Reposted by Meg Linehan
When you summon the strength to let the bad post go by without responding
December 9, 2025 at 7:30 PM
When you summon the strength to let the bad post go by without responding
"Guys. I was a Marine, okay? I got 200 people out of Afghanistan to Australia. I know a thing or two about visas and immigration."
— Haley Carter, with a smile, responding to a question on the Spirit's roster construction and the number of international players from @ellabrockway.bsky.social
— Haley Carter, with a smile, responding to a question on the Spirit's roster construction and the number of international players from @ellabrockway.bsky.social
December 9, 2025 at 8:53 PM
"Guys. I was a Marine, okay? I got 200 people out of Afghanistan to Australia. I know a thing or two about visas and immigration."
— Haley Carter, with a smile, responding to a question on the Spirit's roster construction and the number of international players from @ellabrockway.bsky.social
— Haley Carter, with a smile, responding to a question on the Spirit's roster construction and the number of international players from @ellabrockway.bsky.social
i have mostly come to terms with var but if a review takes this long then it is not clear and obvious, thank you for coming to my ted talk (i also thought it was a handball, but my god it should not take that long, send it to the ref to watch!)
December 9, 2025 at 8:37 PM
i have mostly come to terms with var but if a review takes this long then it is not clear and obvious, thank you for coming to my ted talk (i also thought it was a handball, but my god it should not take that long, send it to the ref to watch!)
Zach Zengue, MAC Hermann Trophy Semifinalist!!
December 9, 2025 at 6:03 PM
Zach Zengue, MAC Hermann Trophy Semifinalist!!