In-principle agreement reached on key terms for the NRLW CBA
The NRL and the Rugby League Players’ Association have reached an agreement in principle on key elements within the NRLW collective agreement.
“The approval of these financial terms will now provide NRLW players with financial certainty and security before signing contracts for the 2023 NRLW season and beyond,” said Clint Newton, CEO of RLPA. “While this is not a final agreement and there are still some important terms to be agreed, this is a big step towards securing their first-ever CBA.”
What are the main financial terms that NRLW reached in the agreement?
In a media release, the NRL explained how both they and the RLPA worked together to ensure the agreement in principle “offers an exciting future and fair and reasonable terms for the women’s rugby league”.
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Pregnancy-related policies and leave arrangements to support players have been included in the deal, along with benefits and other progressive aspects, including a private health insurance allowance.
Women can now sign 12-month contracts and have the option to sign multi-year contracts starting this season.
All players also have access to health and education assistance, injury hardship funds and other financial assistance avenues.
“The Australian Rugby League Commission is adamant that investment in women’s football is a priority at all levels and finalizing the terms of elite NRLW is just one aspect of that commitment,” noted NRL CEO Andrew Abdo.
A proposed sum of US$118 million will be invested over the five-year cycle to contribute to the future growth of women’s football.
“This is also supported by significant investment in pathways and grassroots participation as part of an overall strategy for the development of the women’s rugby league,” Abdo added.
As part of the deal, the NRLW salary cap will be increased from $350,000 in 2022 to $900,000 this season. It will then gradually increase over the next five years.
The salary cap for the next five-year cycle in NRLW
| season | salary cap |
|---|---|
| 2023 | $900,000 |
| 2024 | $1,020,000 |
| 2025 | $1,254,000 |
| 2026 | $1,386,000 |
| 2027 | $1,518,000 |
Progress is being made in the historic first-ever joint CBA
“This is a major step forward for current and future players in agreeing important financial terms and will lay the strong foundations that will enable our game to attract and retain the best talent in Australia and abroad,” said Newton.
“There is much more work to be done as we continue to negotiate a joint CBA for NRLW and NRL players that captures all of their terms and conditions.”
Clubs in NRLW will have a top 24 list with additional funds for four development players.
The minimum salary over the five-year cycle in the NRLW
| season | minimum wage |
|---|---|
| 2023 | $30,000 |
| 2024 | $34,000 |
| 2025 | $41,800 |
| 2026 | $46,200 |
| 2027 | $50,600 |
This season will consist of a 20-week period, with seven weeks set aside for a pre-season, a nine-round regular season, and then the finals. Two weeks’ vacation is also granted.
By 2025, the length of the season is expected to increase to 23 weeks, with future expansion in strategy and investment planned.
“The RLPA Board and our team look forward to continuing our work with Andrew and the clubs as we continue to negotiate a historic first-ever joint CBA,” said Newton.