NWSL Announces Record Bonus Pool Increases for 2023 Season

22 June 2023By: NWSL Editor

Historic $1.1 million UKG NWSL Challenge Cup prize inspired competitive bonus hikes

NEW YORK (June 22, 2023) –

Furthering its commitment to increasing player compensation, the National Women's Soccer League (NWSL) today announced sweeping increases to bonus pool payouts for the 2023 NWSL Championship and 2023 NWSL Shield presented by CarMax. These increases were prompted by the league’s decision to reevaluate bonus pools relative to the record-breaking $1.1 million prize pool announced for the 2023 UKG NWSL Challenge Cup. “It’s our incredible athletes who make our league compelling — they deserve to have their compensation grow and reflect their excellence on the field,” said NWSL Commissioner Jessica Berman. “Our 2023 bonus pool increases, inspired by UKG’s historic $1.1 million investment in our players, are once again breaking records set in 2022. We’re thrilled to be in position to raise the stakes in support of our athletes, thanks, in part, to our purpose-driven partnerships with UKG and CarMax.” 2023 NWSL bonuses represent an increased focus on challenging the gender wage gap in women’s soccer: * In an effort to radically increase equity and financial impact for all NWSL athletes competing for a cut of the highly anticipated $1.1 million 2023 UKG NWSL Challenge Cup prize pool, players will be eligible to earn a bonus for every match they appear in, with approximately $300,000 and $200,000 awarded to the top two teams competing in the September 9 final, and a maximum of $13,400 available to winning players.[i]

The bonus pool for the 2023 NWSL Shield presented by CarMax, awarded to the club with the best record at the conclusion of the regular season on October 15, will increase from $10,000 to $15,000 per player.[ii]
2023 NWSL Championship bonuses include $15,000 awarded to players from the championship team, $11,250 awarded to finalists, $7,500 awarded to semifinalists, and $3,750 awarded to quarterfinalists.[iii] “The best part of the UKG $1.1 million investment is that it will benefit all NWSL players competing in the 2023 Challenge Cup. We all must do our part to help close the gap, and we’ll go further and make more noise if we do it together,” said Pat Wadors, chief people officer at UKG, a leading provider of HR, payroll, and workforce management solutions for all people. “That’s what our partnership with the NWSL is all about: shining a light on our Close the Gap Initiative , waving our flag, and encouraging more organizations to make equitable pay a reality for all .” “The NWSL and its players have continued to raise the bar of competition and excellence on and off the field and we’re proud to be on this journey with them,” said Sarah Lane, Vice President, Marketing, at CarMax. “CarMax is proud to continue elevating women’s sports and these efforts help advance our shared goal of leveling the playing field for current and future generations of women athletes.” About NWSL The National Women’s Soccer League is the premier women’s professional soccer league in the world featuring national team players from around the globe. The clubs are Angel City FC, Bay FC, Chicago Red Stars, Houston Dash, Kansas City Current, NJ/NY Gotham FC, North Carolina Courage, OL Reign, Orlando Pride, Portland Thorns FC, Racing Louisville FC, San Diego Wave FC, Utah Royals FC, and Washington Spirit. * * * [i] Players who were on the roster at some point during the season, including those involved in trades, loaned out/in, or transferred, must have been available for a minimum of one-third of the Challenge Cup games (three games in 2023, including the Semi/Final) to be eligible for these bonuses. Replacement Players (NTRPs) and goalkeeper replacements who were on the roster during the season must have been available for at least one-fourth of the Challenge Cup games (two games in 2023, including the Semi/Final) to qualify for the bonuses. The Champions will be rewarded $10,000, plus additional bonuses for games-played, with a maximum available per player of $13,400. [ii] Players listed on the roster at the time of the Roster Freeze will be rewarded $15,000. Players who were on the roster at any point during the season, including those who were involved in trades, loaned out/in, or transferred, will also have the opportunity to earn the bonus. However, they must have been available for a minimum of one-third of the Regular Season (equivalent to eight games in 2023) to qualify. Replacement Players (NTRPs) and goalkeeper replacements who were on the roster during the season must have been available for at least one-fourth of the Regular Season (six games in 2023) to be eligible for the bonus. [iii] Players must be listed on the roster at the time of the Roster Freeze.