AFLW salary cap coming?

It seems as though we are about to see a salary cap introduced for the AFLW, possibly before season 2027 but certainly before the new CBA commences from 2028.

https://www.afl.com.au/aflw/news/1396344/clubs-growing-restless-over-aflw-contract-uncertainty

I feel as though the current tiered structure has penalised the top teams who have had limited flexibility around contracts for mid-tier players, allowing them to be picked off by weaker teams who can place them in a higher tier.

I know Eden Zanker left for lifestyle reasons, but it is also possible that Fremantle were able to offer her a contract on the top salary band, whereas she may have only been a tier three player at Melbourne.

It is very interesting that Brisbane apparently have all players being paid within the third salary tier. I guess the lure of regular premierships and finals every year is more attractive than a few extra dollars.

Once this is resolved it will also allow clubs to offer contracts that run beyond the length of the current CBA.

AFLW Salary Tier Structure (2025–2026 Season)

• Tier 1 (Top Tier):

  ≈$109,760is approximately equal to $ 109 comma 760

  ≈$109,760

  (approx. 2 players per club)

• Tier 2:

  ≈$89,559is approximately equal to $ 89 comma 559

  ≈$89,559

  (approx. 6 players per club)

• Tier 3:

  ≈$76,091is approximately equal to $ 76 comma 091

  ≈$76,091

  (approx. 6 players per club)

• Tier 4 (Base Tier):

  ≈$67,337is approximately equal to $ 67 comma 337

  ≈$67,337

  (approx. 16 players per club)