ESPN Survey of Anonymous NWSL GMs Reveals Front Office Concerns

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Earlier this week, ESPN released the results of an anonymous study surveying all 14 NWSL general managers, providing key insights into the growing league.

While nearly all respondents agreed that depth of competition sets the NWSL apart on a global level, they hold differing opinions about the league’s inner workings.

NWSL GMs expressed concerns over rising player costs and abolishing the college soccer draft. (Meg Oliphant/Getty Images)

NWSL budgets and entry draft elimination are key concerns

Budgetary practices were a common concern of GMs across the board, while the loss of the entry draft — ushered in by the league’s new CBA — presented similar issues.

Some GMs pointed out that many teams aren’t yet profitable enough to justify current costs, while others pushed for more spending in order to draw top players away from leagues that don’t impose a hard salary cap, like the UK’s WSL.

Similarly, because the US lacks any true professional development infrastructure, GMs worry that dropping the college draft will divert young US talent overseas, ultimately softening the NWSL’s competitive edge.

Standing next to Gotham's 023 NWSL Championship trophy, retired defender Ali Krieger speaks to a crowd.
Retired Gotham FC star Ali Krieger isn’t sympathetic toward GMs who are uncomfortable with NWSL reforms. (Rich Graessle/Icon Sportswire via Getty…

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