USL Super League players agree to unionize in historic move for women's soccer

Super League to unionize with representation by the USL Players Association, announced less than six months into first season

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  The USL Super League, the women's soccer league that started play last summer, has agreed to unionize just half way through its first season. They will be presented by the USL Players Association, the governing body that works with the men's teams in the USL Championship and USL League One.

  The players and league are reportedly seeking to ratify a Collective Bargaining Agreement that will outline the league going forward, according to ESPN.

• THE BIGGER PICTURE

  The league made headlines by being granted Division one status - the same as the more established NWSL - last year. Unionization, it seems, was immensely popular among the players, with 97% of eligible voters electing to unionize. The NWSL has found success in CBAs in recent years, most recently electing to create free agency for the first time, and eliminate the college draft.

• WHAT THE USLPA SAID

  The USLPA released a statement supporting unionization: "Today is an important day in U.S. women's soccer history with the USL granting voluntary recognition to the USLPA on behalf of the USL Super League players. There has been a clear need for increased opportunities for women professional players in this country for some time. However, it is also imperative that these opportunities are ones which provide players with respect and the ability to self-advocate."

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  WHAT NEXT FOR THE USL SUPER LEAGUE?

  The two sides are expected to come together to reach an agreement on a CBA in the coming months. The Super League itself, meanwhile, is ticking along, with the next round of fixtures set for Saturday.