At the end of a sports league’s calendar year, one of the most exciting events for American fans is the college draft. Young talents graduating from university eagerly anticipate the selection process as their gateway to professional careers. However, with 2025 now here, things won’t be as expected—especially in women’s soccer. Simply put, the NWSL college draft isn’t happening this year!
For those unaware, yes, this news may come as a shock. But don’t worry—we’re here to break down all the ifs, buts, and whys. For now, we understand how this system came to an end.
Why college draft has been eliminated for the NWSL?
August 22, 2024, witnessed a groundbreaking metamorphosis in the history of US Sports. That’s because this day saw the National Women’s Soccer League and its Players Association (NWSLPA) shake hands on a new Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA). This new agreement was approved in order to remove the college draft and all other draft mechanisms from the league. Ideally, this CBA hasn’t been agreed upon forever as it will remain in effect until 2030.
Notably, with this move, the NWSL has become the first major professional sports league in the U.S. to eradicate an existing draft system. After all, everyone knows that ever since being launched in 2013, the college draft has been more than just an offseason highly anticipated event. It plays a key role in introducing fresh talents to the league every season.
There was a time when 32 NCAA athletes were selected over four rounds. Then over the years, the draft grew significantly. In fact, the 2024 edition saw 56 players picked, marking the largest draft class in NWSL history. No wonder that around 500 NCAA women’s soccer players have entered the league through this process in this last decade.
Despite the draft’s removal, NCAA soccer will surely remain a key talent pool for the NWSL. But then how will the league now accommodate aspiring university athletes?
Here’s how college stars will still be able to make a stellar career despite draft elimination
Prior to the new CBA, aspiring college athletes had to enter the NWSL Draft to join the league. The drawback was that if one decided to opt out, one had to wait a year or seek opportunities abroad. Additionally, teams were assigned players through the draft. That unfortunately left those players with limited options—accept their selection, request a trade, or go overseas. No wonder it saw them join Mexican or European sides.
However, that’s not the case anymore as the new deal has shifted the power in the hands of players, allowing young athletes to choose where they play. In other terms, college players are no less than free agents now, who can openly negotiate with any of the 14 NWSL teams. This would now force all the existing and even new upcoming expansion clubs to improve their scouting efforts and compete for top prospects.
NWSL: 2023 NWSL Draft- 1 Selection Alyssa Thompson Jan 12, 2023 Los Angeles, California, US Alyssa Thompson right holds an Angel City FC uniform with co-founder Julie Uhrman after she was selected with the first overall pick in the 2023 NWSL Draft at Nike LA. Los Angeles Nike LA California US, EDITORIAL USE ONLY PUBLICATIONxINxGERxSUIxAUTxONLY Copyright: xKiyoshixMiox 20230112_JAB_ma1_004
Additionally, the league’s weakest team secured the best draft pick, but now, recruitment is open for everyone. Factors like salary, contract length, location, playing style, and playing time will influence player decisions, with ambitious teams able to sign multiple top prospects. Then again, there are some rules for the young players as well.
Freshmen and sophomores can’t sign a professional contract while continuing their college careers. Hence, in order to turn pro, college athletes must be completely graduated or forgo their remaining NCAA eligibility.
We hope this clears up any doubts. Regardless of how this decision came into effect, its impact remains to be seen, at least for the foreseeable future.
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