The goal was simple. Revive the USWNT from what could only be called a disastrous exit from last year’s World Cup. Though easier said than done, the Emma Hayes and Lindsey Horan-led team achieved the iconic—they beat Brazil 1-0—to win gold in Paris. However, on the back of incessant questions on the team’s capabilities, primarily bolstered by Vlatko Andonovski’s “questionable” decisions last year, there was one person who never lost hope.

Enter National Women’s Soccer League chief, Jessica Berman. At the Financial Times’ Business of Football summit in London, in March this year, the 47-year-old executive expressed high hopes: “You close your eyes and think of greatness, and soccer, you actually think of women.” Deemed as a prophecy at the time, just five months later, America stands eye-to-eye with the potential women’s soccer presents.

And, as expected, Berman is not shying away from capitalizing on that potential. During Jessica Berman’s Saturday interview with CNBC Television less than a week ago, she was asked how Team USA’s gold medal game would impact soccer in the country. “It is really a new generation of players that have captured the attention of the average American to realize the next generation of the U.S. Women’s National Team is formidable and here to compete. Competing to be the best in the world,” said the NWSL chief in response.

Indeed, USWNT’s young pool includes Trinity Rodman, Mallory Swanson, and Naomi Girma, among others, who impressed on the other side of the pond. Girma, undoubtedly the best defender in the game, held the fortress with an iron grip. In the team’s quarter-final match against Japan, the 24-year-old achieved “the most successful pass by any player in a knockout-round match” ever. Just to give you an idea, Girma had completed 105 passes in the first-half alone.

Swanson (four goals), Rodman (three goals), and Sophia Smith (three goals), on the other hand, sit comfortably in the Paris Olympics’ highest-goal scorers list, in the Top-4; the most players from the same country in the Top-8.

Thereafter, the NWSL’s Berman revealed her keenness to make the best of the USA’s Olympic run. “The fact that they are playing in the gold medal match allows us to capitalize on the incredible momentum of the team and performance,” Berman said. “Of course, this is a win for our league and the US Women’s National Team, regardless,” she further added.

Meanwhile, the NWSL agreed to a new Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) striving to enhance the league. Moreover, Jessica Berman also assured she will provide the best professional environments for players.

NWSL aims to be more player-friendly, as Berman bets on USWNT’s big three

NWSL and its players union reportedly shook hands on Saturday for a new CBA that runs through 2030. The main goals are to raise player salaries and streamline the club’s transfer market operations. While the news is yet to be officially confirmed, the move seemingly comes after the NWSL saw record-breaking attendance, and broadcast deals under the current CBA.

As per the current agreement, set to run through 2026, players are getting a minimum salary of $35,000, a 60% year-on-year increase from $22,000 in 2021. As per an official statement, the NWSL also increased its investment in “housing, transportation, fully-vested 401(k) contributions, health, life and disability insurance, among other material benefits, raising the average total compensation by more than 30% to $54,000 compared to the 2021 season”. Additionally, the ‘free agency’ system was also introduced in a historic move.

Notably, in the current season, overall attendance has seen a 42% rise YoY. For the third straight season, regular season audience numbers have also continued to soar above one million. Not just that, the league also signed the largest media rights deal in women’s sports till date—a four-year deal with CBS, ESPN, Amazon Prime Video and Scripps Sports, valued at $60 million per year. Franchise values have also reached sky-high limits, achieving record-high valuation of $250 million. The San Diego Wave sold for a record $120 million in March.

So one can only imagine the reforms set to be included in the new CBA! For starters, going ahead, the league reportedly aims to boost the stardom of USWNT’s leading three. Jessica Berman believes the ‘Triple Espresso’,Trinity Rodman, Mallory Swanson, and Sophia Smith will be the next biggest superstars in soccer. Apparently, she assured the NWSL would give them “the best professional environments to become the world’s best.” 

“They’re the next generation of talent. Everyone’s super excited to watch them,” Berman further said.

Now that Team USA has clinched its fifth Olympic gold and NWSL has agreed to new deals, we could witness soccer’s second coming to the US. Are you excited?