The NRL has announced it’s on the verge of locking in a $118 million NRLW CBA with the Rugby League Players Association (RLPA).
The league revealed on Tuesday that an in-principle agreement reached with the RLPA this week will include policies for pregnancy and parental arrangements for players.
Leave provisions and support for primary carers, and parents of infants up to 24 months will be introduced as part of the new CBA.
Meanwhile, The NRLW salary cap, which last season was set at $350,000, will rise to $900,000 in 2023, as part of an annual increase across a five-year cycle.
- 2023 – $900,000
- 2024 – $1,020,000
- 2025 – $1,254,000
- 2026 – $1,386,000
- 2027 – $1,518,000
According to the NRL statement, the minimum NRLW salaries over the 5-year cycle will be:
- 2023 – $30,000
- 2024 – $34,000
- 2025 – $41,800
- 2026 – $46,200
- 2027 – $50,600
NRL CEO Andrew Abo said the incoming CBA will play a major role in the future growth of the women’s game.
“The Australian Rugby League Commission is adamant that investment in the women’s game be prioritised at every level and the finalisation of terms for the elite NRLW is just one aspect of that commitment,” Abo said.
“The proposed investment of $118 million across the five-year cycle at the elite level factors in future growth of the competition and is also supported by significant investment in pathways and grassroots participation as part of an overall strategy for women’s rugby league development.
NRLW players will also be provided with an allowance for private health insurance and the ability to sign 12-month contracts. They will be allowed to sign multi-year contracts from 2023.
The new CBA will see NRLW players provided access to wellbeing and education support, as well as injury hardship funds.
“We recognise the incredible contribution players make in playing the fastest and toughest sport in the world. Agreeing to these financial terms will now give NRLW players financial certainty and security ahead of signing contracts for the 2023 NRLW season and beyond,” RLPA CEO Clint Newton said.
“Although this is not a final agreement and several significant terms are yet to be agreed, this is a big step toward securing their first ever CBA.
“This is great progress for current and future players in agreeing to key financial terms and will lay the strong foundations which will allow our game to attract and retain the best talent in Australia and abroad.”