A constitution and bylaws were ratified earlier this month in the formation of the National Women’s soccer League Players Association (NWSL PA). The NWSL PA will represent all non-allocated NWSL players including any rostered amateur players. Allocated players have their own representation through their respective federation associations but the NWSL PA will work with them as well.

NWSL players have been grossly underpaid since the start of the league and are powerless in their ability to choose which teams they play for. Even with minimum salary more than doubling, the bottom-end salary is only $15,000 for a six month season not including preseason and playoffs. Veteran players are not guaranteed to be offered above and beyond the league minimum.

The mission statement of the NWSL PA reads as follows:

We are proud to announce the official formation of the National Women’s Soccer Association (NWSL) Players Association. We, the non-Allocated Players of NWSL, vow to build on the opportunity that has been afforded us, as well as to work to achieve those goals that have not yet been attained. We honor the vision and progress of those who came before us…Pledge to work with the League and Allocated Players to advance continued improvements in women’s soccer…Commit ourselves to doing all in our power for the betterment of our members so that we may best contribute to the common goal; a world-class product on the field, and to be role models and inspire the next generation off the field.

Later Monday, NWSL released a statement which read: “We respect the players’ right to organize and form a players association, and look forward to establishing a relationship with their leadership that will serve the league, the players and our fans alike.”