In a groundbreaking move that could reshape the landscape of women’s soccer in the United States, players in the newly-formed USL Super League have overwhelmingly voted to unionize. The historic decision, which saw an astonishing 97% of eligible players cast their ballots in favor of representation, means the USL Players Association (USLPA) will now serve as the exclusive bargaining unit for these trailblazing athletes.
A Momentous Step Forward
The USL Super League, which kicked off its inaugural season in August 2024, has been hailed as a potential game-changer for women’s soccer in America. With its Division I status from the U.S. Soccer Federation and ambitious plans for growth, the league represents a significant expansion of professional opportunities for female players in the country. However, as USLPA spokesperson Bri Visalli emphasized, it’s not just about quantity, but quality as well:
There has been a clear need for increased opportunities for women professional players in this country for some time. However, it is also imperative that these opportunities are ones which provide players with respect and the ability to self-advocate.
– Bri Visalli, USLPA spokesperson and former Houston Dash player
By joining the USLPA, Super League players have taken a critical step towards ensuring they have a strong, united voice at the bargaining table. The near-unanimous vote sends a resounding message: these women are ready to fight for their rights and shape the future of their profession.
The Road to a Groundbreaking CBA
With voluntary recognition from the USL secured, the real work now begins. The USLPA and the newly-formed USL Labor Committee, which will include representatives from Super League clubs, must now sit down and hammer out the details of a comprehensive collective bargaining agreement (CBA).
This CBA will be crucial in defining the terms and conditions of employment for Super League players moving forward. From minimum salaries and benefits to working conditions and grievance procedures, every aspect of a player’s professional life could be on the table.
If the USLPA’s track record is any indication, Super League players can expect a robust, player-friendly agreement. The association has previously negotiated landmark CBAs for USL Championship and League One, securing important gains for male players in those competitions.
A Promising Partnership
While labor negotiations always come with challenges, there are reasons to be optimistic about the road ahead. USL Super League president Amanda Vandervort struck a positive tone in the wake of the unionization vote, telling ESPN:
We’re pleased and we’re excited to work with the USL Players Association on behalf of the players to collaboratively build the future of the Super League in a long-term sustainable manner.
– Amanda Vandervort, USL Super League president
This spirit of collaboration and commitment to long-term sustainability bodes well for the upcoming CBA negotiations. Both sides seem to recognize that they have a unique opportunity to create something special – a league that not only provides more chances for women to play professionally, but also treats them with the respect and dignity they deserve.
Setting the Stage for the Future
The successful unionization drive by USL Super League players is about more than just one league or one CBA. It’s part of a broader movement in women’s sports, as athletes across disciplines increasingly band together to demand better treatment and a fairer share of the pie.
From the U.S. Women’s National Team’s fight for equal pay to the WNBA’s groundbreaking CBA, female athletes are making it clear that they will no longer accept second-class status. By standing together and speaking with one voice, they are slowly but surely shifting the balance of power in their favor.
For the USL Super League, this moment represents an opportunity to set a new standard from the very beginning. By working hand-in-hand with the USLPA to create a model CBA, the league can establish itself as a true leader in women’s soccer – a shining example of what’s possible when players and management work together in good faith.
The Eyes of the World Are Watching
As the USL Super League and USLPA begin their journey together, they do so with the eyes of the soccer world upon them. Players, fans, and stakeholders across the globe will be watching closely to see what kind of agreement emerges from these historic negotiations.
Will the CBA live up to the lofty expectations set by the near-unanimous unionization vote? Will it provide Super League players with the respect, dignity, and financial security they deserve? Will it help chart a new course for women’s professional soccer in the United States and beyond?
Only time will tell, but one thing is certain: the USL Super League and its players have an incredible opportunity to make history. By working together in a spirit of collaboration and mutual respect, they can create something truly special – a league that empowers women on and off the pitch, and inspires a new generation of female footballers to dream big.
As the negotiations begin in earnest, fans and observers alike will be eagerly awaiting updates, hoping for a positive outcome that sets the stage for a brighter, more equitable future in women’s soccer. The road ahead may be long and winding, but with determination, unity, and a shared vision, anything is possible.
