Lesley Ryder
@lesleyryder.bsky.social
Writer, Soccer talker and Pal @GalPalSports.bsky.social bylines: @allforxi, @defectormedia
LesleyRyder.54 on Signal
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LesleyRyder.54 on Signal
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The NWSL Received 43 Complaints In 2024, And Five In The First Half Of This Year, Public Records Show | Defector
When the National Women’s Soccer League settled with three separate attorneys general earlier this year—following investigations by all three into the league’s years of failure to prevent or adequatel...
defector.com
Thanks to a $5 million settlement with the NY, DC and IL OAG, the NWSL is required to report their investigations.
The semi-annual report and its exhibits give us a teensy bit of transparency into the NWSL’s process.
With @dianamoskovitz.bsky.social for Defector!
defector.com/nwsl-43-comp...
The semi-annual report and its exhibits give us a teensy bit of transparency into the NWSL’s process.
With @dianamoskovitz.bsky.social for Defector!
defector.com/nwsl-43-comp...
Reposted by Lesley Ryder
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.
In happier news, NYC mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani is announcing his new team members like a soccer club.
December 18, 2025 at 11:51 PM
In happier news, NYC mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani is announcing his new team members like a soccer club.
HenryCavillShadowboxing.gif
December 18, 2025 at 11:22 PM
HenryCavillShadowboxing.gif
Reposted by Lesley Ryder
Once I felt like I had a handle on NWSL coverage, so many problems seemed to boil down to "can we get out of our own way?"
That was like 10 years ago, and even with undeniable, major progress, I feel like "can we get out of our own way?" is still the big question in women's sports.
That was like 10 years ago, and even with undeniable, major progress, I feel like "can we get out of our own way?" is still the big question in women's sports.
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 11:00 PM
Once I felt like I had a handle on NWSL coverage, so many problems seemed to boil down to "can we get out of our own way?"
That was like 10 years ago, and even with undeniable, major progress, I feel like "can we get out of our own way?" is still the big question in women's sports.
That was like 10 years ago, and even with undeniable, major progress, I feel like "can we get out of our own way?" is still the big question in women's sports.
Everyone pointed out the salary cap rule to the NWSL and they took it personally.
December 18, 2025 at 11:09 PM
Everyone pointed out the salary cap rule to the NWSL and they took it personally.
Reposted by Lesley Ryder
Having HIPs is so much more paperwork and management than just raising the cap
December 18, 2025 at 10:49 PM
Having HIPs is so much more paperwork and management than just raising the cap
Reposted by Lesley Ryder
The WNBA has issued a statement in response to the WNBPA’s vote which says in part that the league strongly disagrees with the unions characterization of the current state of negotiations.
Full statement:
Full statement:
December 18, 2025 at 10:54 PM
The WNBA has issued a statement in response to the WNBPA’s vote which says in part that the league strongly disagrees with the unions characterization of the current state of negotiations.
Full statement:
Full statement:
Reposted by Lesley Ryder
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
It’s a whole lot of folks acting like their league is a charity after loudly proclaiming they are not a charity!
The women’s sports boom is here and league leadership in both soccer and basketball aren’t ready for some reason
December 18, 2025 at 10:08 PM
It’s a whole lot of folks acting like their league is a charity after loudly proclaiming they are not a charity!
Reposted by Lesley Ryder
The women’s sports boom is here and league leadership in both soccer and basketball aren’t ready for some reason
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 6:50 PM
The women’s sports boom is here and league leadership in both soccer and basketball aren’t ready for some reason
Reposted by Lesley Ryder
To all the young people in New York and across our country who count on gender-affirming care:
I won't let this administration come for you, your doctors, or your lifesaving health care.
Your health care is still legal and protected.
I'll always fight for you.
I won't let this administration come for you, your doctors, or your lifesaving health care.
Your health care is still legal and protected.
I'll always fight for you.
December 18, 2025 at 4:22 PM
To all the young people in New York and across our country who count on gender-affirming care:
I won't let this administration come for you, your doctors, or your lifesaving health care.
Your health care is still legal and protected.
I'll always fight for you.
I won't let this administration come for you, your doctors, or your lifesaving health care.
Your health care is still legal and protected.
I'll always fight for you.
New day, new development for the NWSL’s new (almost) rule:
The NWSLPA opposes the high-impact player rule and instead proposes a simple salary cap raise.
Will the NWSL let Trinity Rodman walk over an amount of money they’ve already agreed to let teams spend?
The NWSLPA opposes the high-impact player rule and instead proposes a simple salary cap raise.
Will the NWSL let Trinity Rodman walk over an amount of money they’ve already agreed to let teams spend?
December 18, 2025 at 8:28 PM
New day, new development for the NWSL’s new (almost) rule:
The NWSLPA opposes the high-impact player rule and instead proposes a simple salary cap raise.
Will the NWSL let Trinity Rodman walk over an amount of money they’ve already agreed to let teams spend?
The NWSLPA opposes the high-impact player rule and instead proposes a simple salary cap raise.
Will the NWSL let Trinity Rodman walk over an amount of money they’ve already agreed to let teams spend?
Reposted by Lesley Ryder
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
Reposted by Lesley Ryder
We're not sure who this is but it sounds like they have sources so we're just passing this along. 👀👀
A source has confirmed to me that Italian international Lucia Di Guglielmo will be headed to the #NWSL with a landing spot likely with the Washington Spirit.
Of note, Di Guglielmo is represented by Assist Women, the same agency that reps Sofia Cantore and Lisa Boattin.
Of note, Di Guglielmo is represented by Assist Women, the same agency that reps Sofia Cantore and Lisa Boattin.
December 18, 2025 at 5:09 PM
We're not sure who this is but it sounds like they have sources so we're just passing this along. 👀👀
Today in Men don’t know anything: a contestant on the Price is Right had a showcase featuring new speakers, a living room set, and a Subaru Impreza
He guessed $68,000
He guessed $68,000
December 18, 2025 at 4:59 PM
Today in Men don’t know anything: a contestant on the Price is Right had a showcase featuring new speakers, a living room set, and a Subaru Impreza
He guessed $68,000
He guessed $68,000
Reposted by Lesley Ryder
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/...
Reposted by Lesley Ryder
Jennifer Lawrence is a menace
December 18, 2025 at 11:47 AM
Jennifer Lawrence is a menace
She had a great run
December 18, 2025 at 4:15 AM
She had a great run
Reposted by Lesley Ryder
cba states that timelines can only be extended by mutual written agreement from both parties, the nwslpa is better than me
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.
December 18, 2025 at 2:20 AM
cba states that timelines can only be extended by mutual written agreement from both parties, the nwslpa is better than me
Can I go back to watching survivor yet?
December 18, 2025 at 2:22 AM
Can I go back to watching survivor yet?
Reposted by Lesley Ryder
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 👇
I cannot do another season of survivor with a contestant who calls himself Riz God.
December 18, 2025 at 1:05 AM
I cannot do another season of survivor with a contestant who calls himself Riz God.
May the door hit you in the ass on your way out.
December 18, 2025 at 1:04 AM
May the door hit you in the ass on your way out.
Reposted by Lesley Ryder
Angel City sent to media some general timelines to look forward to in the new year
Mid-January - Player Return + "Our full 2026 NWSL season schedule is anticipated to be released in mid-January"
End of Feb - Jersey release
Feb 15-21st - Coachella Valley Invitational
March - Home Opener
Mid-January - Player Return + "Our full 2026 NWSL season schedule is anticipated to be released in mid-January"
End of Feb - Jersey release
Feb 15-21st - Coachella Valley Invitational
March - Home Opener
December 17, 2025 at 9:49 PM
Angel City sent to media some general timelines to look forward to in the new year
Mid-January - Player Return + "Our full 2026 NWSL season schedule is anticipated to be released in mid-January"
End of Feb - Jersey release
Feb 15-21st - Coachella Valley Invitational
March - Home Opener
Mid-January - Player Return + "Our full 2026 NWSL season schedule is anticipated to be released in mid-January"
End of Feb - Jersey release
Feb 15-21st - Coachella Valley Invitational
March - Home Opener