Stay ConnectedFull Time is The Athletic’s dedicated podcast for the U.S. women’s national team, the National Women’s Soccer League, and the larger world of international women’s soccer. Three times a week, join Meg Linehan, Tamerra Griffin and Jillian Sakovits as they tackle the culture, context, and conversations about the sport here in America and beyond, with help from fellow writers, guests and insiders from all corners of the game.
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Copyright: © 2020 - The Athletic
The NWSL Players' Association has opposed the league's new High Impact Player rule, but what exactly is at the root of the opposition? And, what is the timeline for a resolution?
On this episode of Full Time, The Athletic's Tamerra Griffin is joined by the executive director of the NWSLPA, Meghann Burke, to talk through the union's stance and what comes next. What part of the Collective Bargaining Agreement is being contested? How does the NWSLPA interpret things differently from the league? Can NWSL players sign High Impact Player contracts despite the NWSLPA's stance? What comes next for Trinity Rodman and the ongoing grievances between the league and NWSLPA?
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HOST: Tamerra Griffin
GUEST: Meghann Burke
PRODUCER: Theo Lloyd-Hughes
VIDEO PRODUCER: Lia Griffin
EXECUTIVE PRODUCER: Emily Olsen
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Referenced on the show:
NWSL’s new ‘high impact’ rule prioritizes a small pool of superstars – and they must be marketable
NWSL adds rule allowing stars to be paid $1m above cap despite players’ union opposition
NWSL said it would fight for Trinity Rodman. It’s only fighting with itself
NWSL can’t keep Trinity Rodman and its current salary cap. It’s up to the league to choose
Trinity Rodman negotiations explained: Why did NWSL reject the Spirit’s offer and what’s next?
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Get in touch: fulltime@theathletic.com
Follow on Instagram and TikTok: @tafulltime
Subscribe to our Youtube channel: here
Subscribe to the Full Time newsletter here
Visit the Yahoo Women's Sports hub here
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Last week, the NWSL announced it had introduced a roster mechanism to allow teams to pay certain players up to $1 million above the current salary cap. This new rule would be known as the High Impact Player rule.
But within hours of that announcement, the NWSLPA responded by saying it opposed the NWSL’s decision to move forward with the new rule without formally bargaining with the players' association. This new rule comes after weeks of speculation about the Trinity Rodman’s future in the NWSL with the Washington Spirit.
So, on this episode of Full Time, Tamerra Griffin digs into what all this means. What is the criteria to be a High Impact Player and who does this new rule benefit? Why isn't the NWSL raising the salary cap? How will it affect the NWSL and the global soccer transfer market? What solution is the NWSLPA putting forward and could we see a resolution?
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HOST: Tamerra Griffin
PRODUCER: Theo Lloyd-Hughes
VIDEO PRODUCER: Lia Griffin
EXECUTIVE PRODUCER: Emily Olsen
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Referenced on the show:
NWSL’s new ‘high impact’ rule prioritizes a small pool of superstars – and they must be marketable
NWSL adds rule allowing stars to be paid $1m above cap despite players’ union opposition
NWSL said it would fight for Trinity Rodman. It’s only fighting with itself
NWSL can’t keep Trinity Rodman and its current salary cap. It’s up to the league to choose
Trinity Rodman receives contract from Super League team larger than NWSL can match: Sources
Trinity Rodman negotiations explained: Why did NWSL reject the Spirit’s offer and what’s next?
_______________
Get in touch: fulltime@theathletic.com
Follow on Instagram and TikTok: @tafulltime
Subscribe to our Youtube channel: here
Subscribe to the Full Time newsletter here
Visit the Yahoo Women's Sports hub here
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
2025 is almost over, so it's time to look back at a remarkable summer of international women's soccer
On this special edition of Full Time, re-live the best bits of England's triumph at Women's Euro 2025 in Switzerland, go inside what it was like to be in Morocco covering the 2025 Women's Africa Cup of Nations, and wonder how Marta was able to produce one of the greatest final performances ever at age 39 in the 2025 Copa America Feminina in Ecuador.
Three breathless tournaments, one incredible summer of soccer.
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CONTRIBUTORS: Jillian Sakovits, Charlotte Harpur, Tamerra Griffin, Meg Linehan, Melanie Anzidei
GUESTS: Lucy Bronze, Fay Harvey, Andrea Vilchez, Jinane Ennasri
PRODUCER: Theo Lloyd-Hughes
VIDEO PRODUCER: Lia Griffin
EXECUTIVE PRODUCER: Emily Olsen
Referenced on the show:
Women’s football 2025 in review: England’s Euros victory, Spain’s midfield dominance and more
My Euros in My Words with England’s Lucy Bronze: Broken tibia, winning penalties and raw emotion
WAFCON 2024: A tournament in Morocco nearly forgotten could be the best one yet
Copa America Femenina: The players delivered, will those in charge now do the same?
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Get in touch: fulltime@theathletic.com
Follow on Instagram and TikTok: @tafulltime
Subscribe to our Youtube channel: here
Subscribe to the Full Time newsletter here
Visit the Yahoo Women's Sports hub here
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
If you could, what holiday gift would you get for every NWSL team? A gift that would take care of their biggest need ahead of the 2026 season?
On this special holiday edition of Full Time, host Jillian Sakovits is joined by Tamerra Griffin and Producer Theo to go shopping for every NWSL team and deliver a festive roundtable discussion, hand-picking the perfect thing for all 16 clubs.
Which teams have been naughty, which have been nice? Who needs a practical stocking stuffer? Who is getting spoiled this year? What is the gift that they have been asking for all season but has yet to arrive?
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HOST: Jillian Sakovits
GUEST: Tamerra Griffin
PRODUCER: Theo Lloyd-Hughes
VIDEO PRODUCER: Lia Griffin
EXECUTIVE PRODUCER: Emily Olsen
Referenced on the show:
NYCFC’s unbearable wait inches toward its end with a new stadium on the rise
Colorado native Ally Watt on being Denver Summit’s first signing: ‘I’m coming home’
All-time leading goal scorer Christine Sinclair announces retirement, finishing season with Thorns
How can the NWSL adapt to the climate crisis?
Trinity Rodman negotiations explained: Why did NWSL reject the Spirit’s offer and what’s next?
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Get in touch: fulltime@theathletic.com
Follow on Instagram and TikTok: @tafulltime
Subscribe to our Youtube channel: here
Subscribe to the Full Time newsletter here
Visit the Yahoo Women's Sports hub here
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
The first-ever UEFA Women's Champions League Swiss-style league phase is in the books, but was the inaugural campaign in the new format a success?
On this edition of Full Time, host Jillian Sakovitz is joined by The Athletic's Tamerra Griffin to analyze how the opening round of the 2025-26 UWCL played out, from looking at the teams that impressed to those that crashed out, and also whether the new format delivered more drama and better matchups.
After that, Jillian and Tamerra turn their attention to the draw and break down the bracket for the rest of the tournament. Which of the 12 teams remaining are the favorites to win, and who is the dark horse to watch? What does it mean for Chelsea to finally avoid a semifinal meeting with Barcelona? Which knockout round matchups promise to deliver the best fireworks, food and football?
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HOST: Jillian Sakovits
GUEST: Tamerra Griffin
PRODUCER: Theo Lloyd-Hughes
VIDEO PRODUCER: Lia Griffin
EXECUTIVE PRODUCER: Emily Olsen
Referenced on the show:
Chelsea, Bayern reach Women’s Champions League quarter-finals: Who qualified, how do play-offs work?
Women’s Champions League draw: Potential Arsenal-Chelsea, Barcelona-Real Madrid quarter-final ties
Chelsea’s attack is key in the Champions League. Will the handbrake be released?
NWSL Players Association opposes new star player rule change proposal
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Get in touch: fulltime@theathletic.com
Follow on Instagram and TikTok: @tafulltime
Subscribe to our Youtube channel: here
Subscribe to the Full Time newsletter here
Visit the Yahoo Women's Sports hub here
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On this edition of Full Time, Tamerra Griffin and Meg Linehan unpack the return of Sophia Wilson to the Portland Thorns and what it means for her to exercise her record contract option for the 2026 NWSL season. Why did she choose to stay with the Thorns? What do we know about her record-breaking new deal? And, how does this contract for Wilson affect the ongoing negotiations between the NWSL and fellow USWNT superstar Trinity Rodman?
PLUS: Tamerra and Producer Theo analyze some of the other big signings of the free agency period so far, as well as wonder who might win the sweepstakes to pick up the remaining star players available, such as Bia Zaneratto or Ella Stevens.
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HOST: Tamerra Griffin
GUEST: Meg Linehan
PRODUCER: Theo Lloyd-Hughes
VIDEO PRODUCER: Lia Griffin
EXECUTIVE PRODUCER: Emily Olsen
Referenced on the show:
USWNT’s Sophia Wilson returns home to Portland for 2026 season: ‘I miss playing in Providence Park’
NWSL said it would fight for Trinity Rodman. It’s only fighting with itself
NWSL can’t keep Trinity Rodman and its current salary cap. It’s up to the league to choose
_______________
Get in touch: fulltime@theathletic.com
Follow on Instagram and TikTok: @tafulltime
Subscribe to our Youtube channel: here
Subscribe to the Full Time newsletter here
Visit the Yahoo Women's Sports hub here
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
The NWSL is at a crossroads. As the league and the Washington Spirit hash out the ways to keep Trinity Rodman, a new era of superstar spending, salary cap rules and competition with the global market could be on the horizon.
On this edition of Full Time, host Meg Linehan is joined by The Athletic's senior writers Paul Tenorio and John Hollinger to reflect on how other U.S. sports leagues have handled rethinking their rules in order to keep superstars and what the NWSL needs to learn from those examples.
Is an MLS-style designated player rule something to be embraced or avoided? Why does the NWSL need to think differently about its global market when compared to the NBA? Why could Rodman's next contract similarly change everything like Olivia Moultrie's case against the league did in 2021?
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HOST: Meg Linehan
GUESTS: Paul Tenorio, John Hollinger
PRODUCER: Theo Lloyd-Hughes
VIDEO PRODUCER: Lia Griffin
EXECUTIVE PRODUCER: Emily Olsen
Tobin Heath clip credit: 'A Touch More Live presented by Delta, Google Pixel, and Volkswagen (Vox Media)'
Link to that show is here
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Referenced on the show:
NWSL said it would fight for Trinity Rodman. It’s only fighting with itself
NWSL can’t keep Trinity Rodman and its current salary cap. It’s up to the league to choose
Trinity Rodman receives contract from Super League team larger than NWSL can match: Sources
Trinity Rodman negotiations explained: Why did NWSL reject the Spirit’s offer and what’s next?
Teen soccer phenom Olivia Moultrie sues NWSL for right to play in league
_______________
Get in touch: fulltime@theathletic.com
Follow on Instagram and TikTok: @tafulltime
Subscribe to our Youtube channel: here
Subscribe to the Full Time newsletter here
Visit the Yahoo Women's Sports hub here
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
The NWSL is at risk of losing one of its biggest superstars. But what exactly is holding back the Washington Spirit from re-signing Trinity Rodman?
On Monday's edition Full Time, host Jillian Sakovits is joined by The Athletic's Meg Linehan to break down the ongoing contract saga that unfolded last week. Why hasn't the NWSL accepted the Spirit's proposed offer to Rodman? Why is the NWSL players' association filing a grievance against the NWSL on Rodman's behalf? Is the Spirit breaking any salary cap rules with their offer to Rodman? Could Rodman head to Europe?
PLUS: Tamerra Griffin checks in from World Sevens Football in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, where the San Diego Wave took home the title, $2 million and the tournament continued to grab headlines for its ability to create joy and viral soccer moments. And, in the English Women's Super League, Chelsea's 34-match and 585-day undefeated streak finally came to an end with an unlikely 1-0 home defeat to Everton.
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HOST: Jillian Sakovits
GUESTS: Tamerra Griffin, Meg Linehan
PRODUCER: Theo Lloyd-Hughes
VIDEO PRODUCER: Lia Griffin
EXECUTIVE PRODUCER: Emily Olsen
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Referenced on the show:
The WSL title race has some juice in it
NWSL can’t keep Trinity Rodman and its current salary cap. It’s up to the league to choose
Trinity Rodman receives contract from Super League team larger than NWSL can match: Sources
San Diego Wave swag surf their way to $2 million prize at World Sevens
Trinity Rodman negotiations explained: Why did NWSL reject the Spirit’s offer and what’s next?
Everton end Chelsea’s 34-match Women’s Super League unbeaten run with 1-0 win
_______________
Get in touch: fulltime@theathletic.com
Follow on Instagram and TikTok: @tafulltime
Subscribe to our Youtube channel: here
Subscribe to the Full Time newsletter here
Visit the Yahoo Women's Sports hub here
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
On a very special episode of the Full Time podcast, hosts Tamerra Griffin and Meg Linehan are on the podcast together for the final time in 2025.
To commemorate the occasion, Tamerra and Meg rank their Top 3 moments of 2025 while also ranking the three things they are most hyped about coming up in 2026. After that, the duo answers listeners' questions in one last mailbag to close out the season. From holiday movies that need soccer players in them to future NWSL Championship destinations, you don't want to miss this one.
PLUS: Tamerra and Meg delve into the major NWSL news of the week, which saw Haley Carter join the Washington Spirit as their new President of Soccer Operations, and pressure intensifies on Trinity Rodman's future with the team.
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Referenced on the show
Spirit hires Haley Carter to lead strategic vision and help retain top talent like Trinity Rodman
Copa América Femenina, WAFCON showcase their potential – and a need for more support
Marta won’t exit quietly from NWSL playoffs after Orlando Pride loss: ‘It should not end like this’
Jaedyn Shaw free kick sends No. 8 Gotham FC to NWSL championship with win over Pride
Euro 2025: How ‘small’ Switzerland came to host a tournament that could spark ‘cultural change’
Germany named 2029 women’s European Championship hosts
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HOSTS: Tamerra Griffin, Meg Linehan
PRODUCER: Theo Lloyd-Hughes
VIDEO PRODUCER: Lia Griffin
EXECUTIVE PRODUCER: Emily Olsen
_______________
Get in touch: fulltime@theathletic.com
Follow on Instagram and TikTok: @tafulltime
Subscribe to the Full Time newsletter here
Visit the Yahoo Women's Sports hub here
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
This week, the USWNT closed out 2025 with two shutouts against Italy. But what did we learn from the two stellar performances in those games, and how do we evaluate this year as a whole for Emma Hayes's team?
On this week's Full Time Review, host Jillian Sakovits is joined by The Athletic's Tamerra Griffin, who was in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, on Monday night to witness the USWNT's 2-0 win over Italy, to break down what we learned and why the brilliant goals by Cat Macario and Jaedyn Shaw show us just how much those two players have developed for the USWNT this year.
PLUS: Sports Illustrated's Jenna Tonelli also comes on the show to talk about Italy and how, despite their impressive 2025 not quite materializing into a strong showing against the Americans this week, head coach Andrea Soncin will be taking some valuable lessons into next year's World Cup qualifying. Both Tamerra and Jenna also hand out their grades for the USWNT in 2025 as a whole.
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HOST: Jillian Sakovits
GUESTS: Tamerra Griffin, Jenna Tonelli
PRODUCER: Theo Lloyd-Hughes
VIDEO PRODUCER: Lia Griffin
EXECUTIVE PRODUCER: Emily Olsen
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Referenced on the show:
Catarina Macario scores again as USWNT shuts out Italy twice to end the year
USWNT’s early scoring and brace from Catarina Macario lift team over Italy
Ballon d’Or winner Aitana Bonmati to undergo surgery on fractured leg
England managed a superb, celebratory homecoming. But is the succession plan clear?
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Get in touch: fulltime@theathletic.com
Follow on Instagram and TikTok: @tafulltime
Subscribe to our Youtube channel: here
Subscribe to the Full Time newsletter here
Visit the Yahoo Women's Sports hub here
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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