NWSL mandates portion of player shoe sponsorship revenue

The NWSL has implemented a new policy requiring players to surrender a portion of their personal shoe sponsorship earnings to the league. Players who refuse to provide the league a cut of these brand deals face potential fines. This requirement marks a shift in how athletes manage individual commercial partnerships. The directive has sparked a disagreement between the league, individual players, and athletic brands. Athletes are now navigating these new financial obligations while managing their existing endorsement agreements. The league's move to stake a claim on personal sponsorship revenue introduces new complexities to player contracts and brand relationships.

• 12:26 PMESPN — Controversial rule has NWSL taking cut of player brand deals -- or fining those who don't pay up