The NWSL announced a new roster mechanism today, and I have some issues with the lists. The NWSL's HIP mechanism grants too much power to Euro-focused media, failing to actually address the issue of retaining the league's future elite talent. Newsletter here: www.talkinsoccer.com/nwsl-is-hand...

I didn’t have Miami and Minnesota becoming mortal enemies on my bingo card but I really should have.

Inside you are two women’s soccer clubs:

Good signing!

Terrible news day.

The NWSL announced a new roster mechanism today, and I have some issues with the lists. The NWSL's HIP mechanism grants too much power to Euro-focused media, failing to actually address the issue of retaining the league's future elite talent. Newsletter here: www.talkinsoccer.com/nwsl-is-hand...

NWSL hire a woman over a bald man challenge.

I have not been impressed with Chris Armas in MLS. So, what has he done to earn a shot at what should be one of the most sought after job in women’s soccer? You can say that he was hamstrung by front offices but he failed spectacularly with a 2021 TFC roster that had no business being that bad.

Chris Armas?!?!?!?

NWSL Players Association Statement on League’s Unilateral Implementation of the High Impact Player Rule:

By my count, there are just 75 players globally who will qualify for the NWSL's HIP mechanism.

Happy Festivus!

Per an NWSL spokesperson: The criteria for top 11 in USWNT minutes is not cumulative and can be accomplished in either of the previous two years.

This is also a league that gave the midfielder of the year award to an attacker, mind you…

The NWSL hates the American Soccer media, you can’t convince me otherwise.

Women's soccer players on the SportsPro Media Top 150 Most Marketable Athletes list: 46: Beth Mead 63. Aitana Bonmati 70. Lucy Bronze 71. Mary Earps 79. Millie Bright 120. Trinity Rodman 123. Mapi Leon 127. Lindsey Heaps 137. Lauren James 138. Sophia Wilson 139. Marta 141. Pernille Harder

So dumb. So so so so so so so so so so so so so dumb.

Congrats to England and Spain for qualifying as NWSL High Impact Players

INBOX: NWSL Introduces High Impact Player Rule. "NWSL to Invest Up to $115 Million in Additional Player Compensation Over the Term of the Current Collective Bargaining Agreement" The official HIP criteria:

The roster of MLS managers right now is either an American Soccer legend who started managing before 9/11 or some 35 year old former assistant who began their coaching license pathway as a literal child.

This has been made available, so for purposes of commenting on Bari Weiss's decision to spike the story, here's a live-post of that segment. It begins with a "you may recall" summary of the deportation to el Salvador. Describes the admin's claim that it could deport the men without due process

Big fan of Carson Picket in Denver

I still shouldn't say who this was, but in the year 2021, NWSL chief soccer officers were discussing whether or not it made sense to institute a rule change to enable the league to make Macario a competitive offer. One CSO argued that she was just a college player who hadn't proved anything.

Does Juve know this?

Angel City about to free Cat from jail.

Dr. Sogut has fallen in love with the GAM trade

Melia Brewer reclassified from a 2027 to a 2025 and still looked like the real deal at UCLA this fall. Pretty excited to see that signing play out in KC.

Now seems like a swell time to point out that Frontline just released this excellent 11-minute mini-documentary about what happened inside CECOT.

70 degrees on Christmas Day is a bit much

Just once, I would like Bayern to trip over their own feet like every other Bundesliga title contender.

Nancy has fixed the vibes, all good.

I’m very interested

Shut the fuck up Justin.

I’m so tired of RWB Weston McKennie

Leverkusen is going to flip Tillman this summer faster than a realtor on The Hill.

Always watch the Bundesliga

I can fix her.

Been far too long.

Criminal negligence

Bet my life savings on Reyna coming to MLS

My kingdom for the eradication of Kalshi betting ads.

Bobby Murphy deserves happiness.

This regime? That's so unlike them

*Slaps Notebook* You can fit so many words about Major League Soccer in here. On the SuperDraft, DSC to Miami, Coaching Changes in LA, RBNY, and STL, and more from that press conference in St. Louis. www.talkinsoccer.com/things-that-...

*Jürgen Klinsmann voice* JULIAN!!

Viewing the MLS SuperDraft through the lens of the Colorado Rapids is hilarious: Acquired every single Philadelphia draft pick through 2027 for $350,000 GAM. Acquired TFC's #6 pick in exchange for a video analyst. Forced to draft their own Rapids 2 player. Drafted 3 strikers in the 1st round.

BREAKING: Select Boston Legacy games will be played at Centreville Bank Stadium (10,500 capacity) in Rhode Island next season. Gillette will still be the team's primary home in 2026, and venue assignments will be released when NWSL schedule comes out

Well it’s not like they just extended the commissioners contract or anything… what’s that?

I hate to give him a swelled head but @mattdoyle.bsky.social's newsletters can give you a pretty good perspective on the MLS news cycle. Like, say, today's headline regarding a San Diego-Houston transaction