Maybe someday we will read The Rodman effect about how one player fought the salary cap system and enabled a bunch of billionaires to get out of their own way so the NWSL could truly soar.

More Ella is needed to bring balance to the force. Maybe we need an Ella's Jam segment every episode where she freestyles for a few minutes about whatever's on her mind this week. I expect it would be fascinating!

(No shade to Annie and Andre, who are great. Just need more Ella to balance it out)

It's a manufactured event. I have never ever watched a tournament draw and I never will.

This "event" could have been a press release.

And all the people trying to make more of it are just grifting.

Losing to overseas leagues is losing them to the salary cap. That is entirely the point.

You.moght be right, but it is not very reassuring in the sense that we would be hanging our hopes on Europe running out of money before they do too much damage to the NWSL.

Thankfully, no. More likely London City or Lyonnes.

I am more cynical: many owners want exactly the deal they have in men's sports. MLS is very profitable, and also a feeder/retirement league.

There is enormous danger of the NWSL going that route and serving the needs of the owners only.

We have to condemn that approach for our league.

I would say the same of Trin. If she didn't want to stay, I would wish her well and probably watch her with her new team.

But this? This is the league f'ing itself and again insulting and betraying its fans.

Exactly.

Show me the team valuations with and without Trinity in the league.

Now add in Smith, Swanson, and gradually the entire USWNT roster.

This really just doesn't seem like smart business.

After such an exodus, the teams will not be as valuable, and that will overwhelm any salary savings.

Is Portland not facing the exact same problem with another espresso?

I don't follow Portland news, but I would think they are going to have similar issues.