Link: https://www.theixsports.com/the-ix-soccer/nwsl/kansas-city-current/vanessa-dibernardo-pregnancy-return-nwsl-cba/

Kansas City Current midfielder Vanessa DiBernardo returned to the pitch this July as a new mother, feeling better than ever.

Iirc, the salary doesn't count against the cap

In 2024, the NWSL passed a revised collective bargaining agreement, which will run through 2030, that expanded the league’s parental leave legislation. Players now are guaranteed to receive their base salary while out on maternity leave. For players whose contracts expire during their leave period, their club is required to include them in the following season’s 30-day training camp to give them a chance at earning a new contract. Additionally, players are given money for childcare services and travel support, and the NWSL helps provide resources to help through fertility journeys.