🏆 National Women's Soccer League (NWSL) Draft List

Summary

The NWSL Draft was an annual entry draft for the National Women's Soccer League (NWSL) which took place in December or January of each year. Prior to 2021 it was known as the NWSL College Draft, and was renamed to reflect that selections were no longer limited to collegiate players.

Unlike other nations' leagues, which often use an academy model or free agency to allow players to solicit contract offers and choose which team they play for, the NWSL restricted player entry and distributed players to teams through a variety of mechanisms, including the NWSL Draft for players ages 18 and older with active or potential NCAA eligibility. This was driven in part by NCAA amateurism rules and the breadth of NCAA Division I women's soccer in the United States, both unique factors not replicated in other nations.

On August 22, 2024, the NWSL announced the elimination of its draft and discovery systems as part of its renegotiated collective bargaining agreement with the National Women's Soccer League Players Association. NWSL teams could pursue and sign any prospective collegiate and international players as free agents, bringing the league closer in line with global standards within the sport.

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