NWSL and players reach historic collective bargaining agreement

The National Women's Soccer League and players union announced Thursday they reached a historic new agreement that will significantly raise athletes' minimum salaries and give them more freedom over where they can play.

Why it matters: The collective bargaining agreement, which runs through 2030, makes the NWSL the first major U.S. professional sports league to scrap its player draft.

• In addition, the agreement increases investments to staffing, allows for more charter flights and improves facilities.
• It also allows the league to build a year-round schedule.

By the numbers: Minimum salaries will be bumped from $48,500 in 2025 to $82,500 in 2030 ,and there is no limit for a player's maximum salary.

• The base salary cap will increase from $3.3 million in 2025 to just over $5 million in 2030.
• Notably, the NWSL or its teams do not release players' salaries without the union's consent.

What they're saying: " We determined that this was the right time to align with global standards and achieve long term labor peace," NWSL commissioner Jessica Berman said in a statement. "This CBA gives us agency over our business and gives the players agency over their careers."

• A spokesperson for the Utah Royals did not respond to Axios' inquiry.

Catch up quick: The Royals returned to the Beehive State this year after temporarily moving to Kansas City in 2020.

• The move to KC came after then-owner Dell Loy Hansen sold the club after facing allegations of using racist language .

The latest: Four Utah Royals players just wrapped up competing on separate international teams for the Summer Olympics.