The NWSL shook things up this fall by eliminating the draft. This huge shift, especially after 2024’s largest draft to date, has left many fans wondering how teams will acquire new talent and what this means for the future of the league. Here’s a breakdown of the changes and what to expect.
Why Eliminate the Draft?
The NWSL and the NWSL Players Association (NWSLPA) agreed to eliminate the college draft as part of the new Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA). The NWSL is the first major U.S. professional sports league to eliminate the draft, which could signal changes down the line with other leagues. This move is meant to increase player salaries by allowing athletes more control over their negotiations, potentially driving up their earning potential. It also allows players a choice over where they want to play and allows clubs equal opportunity for recruitment.
“It essentially prevents the richest clubs from buying up all the best players. Abolishing the college draft altogether, however, triggers a transfer of power from the clubs to the players,” according to the NCAA.
This also means that clubs will have to appeal to players to ensure they’re recruiting the best talent.
“Teams will need to step up to create environments that appeal to Players,”…
