When NCAA All-American striker Diana Ordóñez made her NWSL debut in 2022, her impressive rookie season with the North Carolina Courage set a high bar. Breaking the league’s scoring record for rookies and earning a call-up to Mexico’s national team, Ordóñez’s success was undeniable. However, one key element was missing—choice. She had no say in joining North Carolina, a fact that she openly shared when expressing her desire to be closer to home in Houston.
The shift in the NWSL landscape came with the changes brought about by the new collective bargaining agreement last year. Unlike other major U.S. leagues, the NWSL removed the college draft, giving players the freedom to select their professional team. This monumental change marked a new era for the league, with adjustments to free agency and trades creating a player-centric environment that demanded adaptation from professionals, clubs, and the league itself.
Player Perspective: A Game-Changing Freedom
For players like Taylor Huff of Bay FC and Quincy McMahon of San Diego Wave, the abolition of the college draft has been a game-changer. The ability to negotiate their future and choose their team has been a liberating experience that has empowered them to advocate for themselves and find the right fit for their careers. The shift in power dynamics has seen a steady flow of NCAA players signing NWSL contracts, surpassing the numbers seen in previous years with the draft system.
Lexi Missimo, an emerging talent from the University of Texas, echoed the sentiment of many players who now have the opportunity to consider various factors beyond just the team. With the ability to weigh in on playing time, location, and personal development, players like Missimo have found a renewed sense of agency in shaping their professional paths.
Front Office Perspective: A New Approach to Recruitment
On the front office side, general managers like Camille Ashton of San Diego Wave and Yael Averbuch West of NJ/NY Gotham FC are embracing the changes brought about by the end of the draft. While there were initial concerns about the lack of traditional roster mechanisms, the consensus now leans towards the positive impact on clubs. The responsibility to attract and retain top talent has become a focal point, with an emphasis on creating mutually beneficial relationships between players and organizations.
Recruitment strategies have evolved to include more personalized approaches, with teams actively engaging with players through meetings, pitches, and trials. The emphasis on finding the right fit goes beyond just on-field performance, highlighting the importance of creating an environment where players can thrive both professionally and personally. As the league continues to grow, there is a collective effort to enhance scouting processes and create more opportunities for players to excel.
As the NWSL enters a new chapter without the college draft, the focus remains on player empowerment, club development, and the overall growth of women’s soccer. While uncertainties and challenges lie ahead, the league’s commitment to providing players with the freedom to shape their careers marks a significant milestone in the evolution of women’s sports. The end of the draft signifies more than just a change in selection process—it symbolizes a shift towards recognizing athletes as individuals with unique aspirations and voices that deserve to be heard and valued in the world of professional sports.
