The National Women’s Soccer League will begin its 2026 free agency period under its collective bargaining agreement with the NWSL Players Association at 12:01 a.m. on Tuesday, July 1, 2025.

This allows eligible free agents to begin negotiations for their 2026 Standard Player Agreements. Here’s what it means:

What is free agency?

Free agency is the ability of professional team athletes to change teams when their contracts expire. Rather than having their playing rights held by their current team at the expiration of their Standard Player Agreement, players can entertain offers from the teams interested in signing them and choose from the available choices.

So what does this mean?

At the opening of the free agency window, teams may negotiate contract terms with any free agent. A player or player agent may also solicit discussion. If a player does not receive a new offer, the player remains a free agent with their rights unassigned in the NWSL.

Who is eligible?

All players with contracts ending December 31, 2025.

What are the key dates?

July 1, 2025: Confirmed list of 2026 free agents is released.

July 1, 2025: Free agency period begins. Players who are eligible free agents for the next league season (2026 free agents) may begin negotiating a new SPA (Standard Player Agreement). A player may agree to terms with their current team, or a new team, at any time.

What does this mean for the rest of the season?

In all cases, a player’s current team is responsible for the player’s SPA through the end of the calendar year.

A list of 2026 free agents is available here.