All eyes are on the NWSL as the league reconciles with its past while looking ahead to the future
The GIST: All eyes are on the NWSL as the league reconciles with its past while looking ahead to the future. On Monday, they dropped a list of corrective action stemming from their December investigative report into systemic abuse within the league. And next they’ll kick off the 2023 draft tomorrow at 6 p.m. ET. It’s time for a new era.
The punishments: The corrective action includes a range of suspensions and fines for individuals and teams. Four former coaches were banned from the league for life: Paul Riley (who refuses to STFU), Christy Holly, Rory Dames and Richie Burke. Good riddance.
- A handful of other individuals are facing suspensions and/or “conditional returns” (which we dug into on yesterday’s episode of The GIST of It). Plus, six of the league’s 12 clubs are facing fines.
- The heaviest hit? The Chicago Red Stars ($1.5 million) and the Portland Thorns ($1 million), both of which are currently up for sale.
The draft: Amid the league-altering news, the NWSL now looks ahead to the annual business of teams adding to their rosters. Here’s how the draft works:
- There are four rounds with 12 picks each. The order is decided by each team’s record from the prior season, with the worst team picking first.
- But there can be (and often are) trades. For example, last week, Angel City FC went all in to snag the first pick, which is expected to be 18-year-old name, image and likeness history-maker, Alyssa Thompson.
- Other players to watch include USWNT U-20 captain Michelle Cooper, and Alabama’s SEC Defender of the Year Reyna Reyes. Start that clock.
Enjoying this article? Want more?
Sign up for The GIST and receive the latest sports news straight to your inbox three times a week.