Sport: Soccer Country: United States Category: Contracts

NWSL players fined under footwear policy as union files grievance

Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Aug 7, 2026, 5:31 PM

Last updated Aug 7, 2026

NWSL players fined under footwear policy as union files grievance

Summary

Three players in the National Women’s Soccer League have been fined due to violations of the league's footwear sponsorship policy. The Kansas City Current's Michelle Cooper was fined $500 for wearing New Balance cleats, while Chicago's Jordyn Huitema and Seattle's Sofia Huerta faced fines ranging up to $1,000. The NWSL Players Association has filed a grievance, halting the collection of these fines until the issue is resolved. Players are now required to obtain sponsorship deals for footwear, or they must cover logos to avoid penalties. The league continues negotiations with several brands to expand its sponsorship framework.

Source Links

Yahoo Sports

Key Details

•Three players fined for violating footwear policy during matches.
•Michelle Cooper fined $500 for wearing New Balance cleats.
•Union grievance halts fine collection until resolution.
•Players must secure sponsorship deals to avoid penalties.
•NWSL negotiates with brands to enhance sponsorship program.

Latest Updates

5:31 PMYahoo Sports — Players fines continue under NWSL’s footwear sponsorship policy as union files grievance

What they're saying

"
The National Women’s Soccer League’s current footwear sponsorship policy continues to penalize players, despite its intention to create a “minimum standard” for brands to pay players. Three players have been fined and four received warnings, according to sources within the league who asked to remain anonymous due to the sensitive financial nature of the policy. One of the first players fined under the new footwear exposure agreement was the Kansas City Current’s Michelle Cooper. The forward was
— Yahoo Sports

Related Teams & Leagues

Sporting Kansas City Soccer