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How Will the NWSL Offseason Work Without the Draft: Explained

^{Published on 2024-12-14 19:05:18 - Sports Illustrated}
 

• U.S. sports changed forever. On that day, the National Women's Soccer League and its Players Association (NWSLPA) announced a new Collecti

The article from SI.com discusses the changes in the NWSL's offseason structure following the elimination of the college draft. Previously, the draft was a significant event where teams could select new talent directly from college, but with its removal, the league has shifted its focus to other methods of player acquisition. Now, teams can sign free agents, trade players, and utilize the expansion draft for new teams like Bay FC and Utah Royals. The article explains that this new system allows for greater player mobility and potentially more competitive balance, as teams can now negotiate with players who were previously under contract or draft-eligible. It also highlights the introduction of a new Under-18 Entry Mechanism, which provides a pathway for younger players to enter the league without the draft, aiming to foster youth development. This overhaul aims to modernize the league's approach to roster construction, aligning more closely with international soccer norms where drafts are less common.

Read the Full Sports Illustrated Article at:
[ https://www.si.com/soccer/how-will-the-nwsl-offseason-work-without-the-draft-explained ]

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