To conquer NWSL, getting those role players that can add stability and make a difference is often key. On Friday night, new expansion franchises Bay FC and Utah Royals have the opportunity to build their squad in hopes of surprising next season. The upcoming NWSL Expansion Draft will have a different look and feel compared to past events and fans can watch every expansion selection on CBS Sports Network.
Here’s what you need to know about the past and future of the draft:
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NWSL Expansion Draft history
Back in the early days of the league, there was no NWSL Players Association or Collective Bargaining Agreement, and U.S. Soccer was still a managing partner providing player salaries to national team players through an allocation system.
Over the years as the league has expanded, rules for the expansion draft have changed. The Houston Dash have the honor of being the first-ever expansion club in NWSL history followed by Orlando Pride. Since 2016, there was plenty of standing still and even clubs that folded operations, as the league functioned with nine teams for two seasons in 2018 and 2019.
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