By OkayGoal 
Parental leave in the NWSL has evolved significantly since the league’s early years. This reflects broader changes in women’s soccer and labor rights. What began as a largely informal and inconsistent system has developed into one of the most structured maternity and parental support frameworks in global women’s soccer. The shift has been driven by collective bargaining, player advocacy, and increasing recognition that athletes can be both professionals and parents.
As of 2026, the league now provides formal parental leave protections, childcare support, and pregnancy-related safeguards under its collective bargaining agreement. This marks a major transformation from its earlier seasons.
Early Years: Limited Structure and Case-by-Case Support
In the early years of the NWSL, parental leave policies were not clearly standardized across the league. Support for pregnant players or new parents largely depended on individual clubs, contracts, and medical considerations rather than a unified league-wide system.
During this period, players who became pregnant often faced uncertainty about contract security and playing status. Some players stepped away temporarily and returned, while others negotiated individual arrangements with their clubs. The lack of formal protections meant decisions were often handled privately and inconsistently.
Although some players successfully returned after pregnancy, the absence of clear league rules meant that parental leave was not yet treated as a standardized employment right within the league structure.
Turning Point: Collective Bargaining Agreement Improvements
A major shift happened with the introduction of collective bargaining agreements between the NWSL and the NWSL Players Association (NWSLPA). The 2022 CBA introduced the first formal protections for pregnancy and parental leave. This marked a structural change in how the league handled player family life.
Under these rules, players became entitled to paid leave if they gave birth or adopted a child during the season. Some protections include salary continuation and medical support provisions. The agreement also aligned parental leave with broader employment protections under labor law. This ensured that players could take time away without losing their place in the league.
The CBA explicitly established that players on parental leave would receive paid time away for a defined period. This was typically up to eight weeks at full salary under league rules, depending on contract conditions and medical coverage. This was a foundational moment because it moved parental leave from an informal arrangement to a legally recognized player’s right.
Expansion of Rights: The 2024 CBA and Beyond
The next major evolution came with the 2024 collective bargaining agreement updates. They significantly expanded parental and family-related protections.
One of the key improvements was stronger job security and clearer leave structures for players becoming parents. The league expanded childcare support, improved dependent care benefits, and reinforced protections for players during pregnancy and postpartum recovery.
The updated system also included broader family support mechanisms such as childcare assistance programs and structured leave options that better aligned with modern professional sports standards.
By this stage, parental leave was no longer treated as an exception but as part of a broader player welfare framework. That one included mental health leave, injury protection, and offseason guarantees.
“A lot of players do not have to choose between being a parent and a player. Being a working mum is difficult. I appreciate that the league was ready to make some substantial changes and provide some benefits that would make it possible for players either to have children while they’re playing or…. To be able to take measures now and take steps, for example freezing your eggs or looking at IVF or surrogacy, to be able to think about having children when your playing career is over,” said NWSL Players Association executive director Meghann Burke, according to ESPN.
Modern Policy: Pregnancy, Leave, and Player Protection
By 2025 and 2026, NWSL parental leave policies had become significantly more comprehensive. Players who give birth or adopt a child are now entitled to paid parental leave during the season, with salary protection and medical coverage included under league agreements.
League documentation confirms that players on parental leave remain protected under roster rules and aren’t automatically penalized in terms of squad status or contract standing.
In addition, pregnancy itself is now explicitly covered under the league’s medical and contract protections. Players who are unable to perform due to pregnancy receive salary continuation and maintain access to medical support systems. This ensures that they aren’t forced to choose between career and family.
These protections reflect FIFA-level standards as well. They recommend at least 14 weeks of maternity leave and minimum salary coverage for pregnant players. This reinforces global alignment in women’s football labor rights.
Cultural Shift: Normalizing Motherhood in Professional Soccer
Beyond formal rules, one of the most important changes in the NWSL has been cultural. Early in the league’s history, pregnancy in professional soccer was often treated as a career disruption. Today, it is increasingly recognized as a normal part of players’ lives.
High-profile players returning to the league after childbirth have helped shift perceptions. This demonstrates that players can successfully resume elite performance after becoming parents. This has influenced clubs to invest more in long-term player welfare, including postpartum training support and flexible return-to-play planning.
International trends have also influenced the league. Global reforms in women’s sports, including FIFA regulations and other professional leagues introducing structured maternity programs, have encouraged the NWSL to continue expanding its protections.
Ongoing Developments and Future Direction
Even with major improvements, parental leave in the NWSL continues to evolve. Recent discussions between the league and players’ union have focused on improving childcare infrastructure. It also improved travel accommodations for players with families and long-term contract stability for returning parents.
There is also growing emphasis on integrating family planning into player welfare systems earlier in careers. This ensures that athletes are supported before, during, and after pregnancy rather than reacting to it on a case-by-case basis.
As the league grows commercially and structurally, parental leave is increasingly seen not just as a welfare issue but as part of competitive recruitment and retention of top talent.
There Is Still More to Come
Parental leave in the NWSL has transformed from an inconsistent, informal practice into a structured and protected part of league policy. Early uncertainty has been replaced by collective bargaining agreements that guarantee paid leave, medical protection, and job security for players who become parents.
The changes reflect both internal pressure from players and broader global progress in women’s sports. As of 2026, the NWSL stands as one of the more progressive leagues in the world when it comes to supporting athlete parents. However, continued evolution is still underway as the league refines how family life and professional sport can coexist.
Featured image via @sophiawilson