All eyes are on the NWSL as the league reconciles with its past while looking ahead to the future
January 11, 2023
On Monday, they dropped a list of corrective action stemming from their December investigative report into systemic abuse within the league
SOURCE: ERIN CHANG/GETTY IMAGES
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.
