Saloons, School, and Specialty Coffee: NWSL Players Enjoy New Era of Side Hustles
Five years ago, stars in the league packed Amazon boxes or drove for DoorDash to make ends meet on meager salaries. A new CBA opened doors for off-field pursuits in line with their passions.
TL;DR
- NWSL player Bea Franklin worked as a cocktail waitress to disconnect from soccer, a stark contrast to the league's past where players needed side jobs out of necessity.
- The "No More Side Hustles" campaign five years ago highlighted low NWSL salaries, with many players working jobs like packing boxes, driving for DoorDash, or cleaning houses.
- A new collective bargaining agreement (CBA) has significantly increased minimum salaries, with the minimum set to reach $50,500 by 2026.
- Players like Gabrielle Carle are pursuing medical careers, studying for the MCAT during the season, while others like Lucia Di Guglielmo and Erin Cuthbert have master's degrees or MBAs.
- Several players have launched businesses, including skincare lines and coffee brands, with some clubs now actively supporting these ventures.
- A partnership between the NWSL and Syracuse University offers online degrees and certificates to players in various fields.