NWSL fines Angel City $200K, docks three points from standings for salary cap violations

NWSL side Angel City has been fined $200k and docked three-points in the league standings after an investigation found them to be in violation of salary cap rules.

The NWSL announced the sanctions on Thursday after determining that Angel City exceeded the salary cap by $50,000 for four weeks in 2024. The league also suspended Angel City president and CEO Julie Uhrman and GM Angela Hucles Mangano from “duties related to any player transactions” for the rest of the season.

The suspension hits hard for the Los Angeles-based club, who drop down to 12th in the standings. With just four matches to play, they're nine points out of a postseason spot.

The NWSL’s investigation found that Angel City had “side letters” with five players who signed in 2023 that weren’t disclosed to the league. Those deals increased the players’ compensation and benefits beyond the standard contracts with the league, exceeding the salary cap.

"The NWSL remains committed to maintaining fairness and transparency across all clubs, reinforcing the importance of adhering to established rules and upholding the competitive balance within the league," the league said in a statement.

In 2021, Angel City were fined $20,000 by the NWSL, and in addition, were handed a loss of $20,000 in allocation money for violating the NWSL's tampering policy regarding then-Gotham player Allie Long.

The NWSL side take the pitch Friday night against Seattle Reign. They'll be looking to snap a four-game winless streak with the result.