No More NWSL Draft: Good Riddance or Mistake?

For years, college soccer players hoping to enter the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) had one primary pathway: the draft. Their fate was largely out of their hands, determined by a system that placed players with teams based on a draft order rather than personal preference or club fit. But with the recent elimination of the NWSL draft, a new era has begun—one where players have full control over their professional futures and teams must rethink their recruitment strategies.

Player Choice: A Game-Changer

For UCLA midfielder Sofia Cook, the decision to turn pro was no longer limited by draft rankings or team selections. Instead, she had the power to weigh her options and choose the best fit for her career. When NJ/NY Gotham FC expressed interest, Cook jumped at the opportunity, citing the team’s playing style and location as key factors in her decision.

“It felt nice to have a say and be able to control your own destiny so you’re not ending up in a city you don’t necessarily want to live in,” Cook shared.

The ability to choose a club based on personal and professional goals marks a significant shift in the NWSL’s structure, aligning it more closely with global soccer norms.

A New Approach to Recruitment

The elimination of the draft has forced teams to reimagine their recruitment strategies. Previously, bottom-ranked teams had the advantage of selecting the top college prospects. Now, clubs must actively scout, recruit, and compete for talent, taking into account their roster needs, club identity, and salary cap limitations.

Gotham FC’s general manager, Yael Averbuch West, sees this as an exciting development. “College players are now being viewed and assessed in relation to the rest of the talent pool. We’re really excited about the depth of talent in the college game, and we’re watching those players.”

At Bay FC, Sporting Director Matt Potter and his team have embraced the change, expanding their scouting department with a head of global scouting and two domestic leads. Potter explained, “We already had a process in place for monitoring and tracking players. Once the draft went away, we saw it as an opportunity rather than a setback.”

This offseason, Bay FC signed several college standouts, including Taylor Huff (Florida State), Karlie Lema (California), and Hannah Bebar (Duke). Without the constraints of the draft, the club has been able to conduct a more thorough evaluation process, ensuring a strong fit between players and team culture.

Angel City’s Data-Driven Approach

Angel City FC has also adjusted its recruitment process, using a nine-step system that blends data analytics, game film analysis, and personal interviews. Technical Director Mark Wilson believes the draft’s elimination allows teams to better assess players beyond their college statistics and performance.

“You can’t just rely on the draft and a couple of calls with college coaches now,” Wilson said. “You really have to dig in deep if you’re going to make this type of investment.”

So far in 2025, Angel City has signed just one college player, Macey Hodge (Mississippi State), focusing instead on building a balanced roster through returning players, trades, and free-agent signings.

The Challenge of Valuing College Talent

With no draft structure dictating salaries, NWSL teams must now determine how college players fit within their salary cap and how their value compares to existing free agents. Some clubs are cautious about overpaying for unproven players, while others see this as an opportunity to invest in long-term development.

Angel City, for example, is avoiding an “arms race” for top college talent, instead prioritizing sustainable recruitment. “You’ve got talent that is unproven in the NWSL, unproven in a professional environment,” Wilson noted. “At that point, how are you predicting future growth and potential?”

Bay FC, on the other hand, is emphasizing player development and roster stability, ensuring that new signings align with the club’s core values. “The reality is that a lot of clubs do a really good job in their recruitment process, and you’re not limited to one player. You have to fit it into the salary cap,” Potter said.

A Step Toward Global Standards

The elimination of the draft brings the NWSL in line with global soccer norms, where clubs rely on scouting networks, youth academies, and second-team development rather than a centralized draft system. Gotham FC rookie defender Lilly Reale recognizes the significance of this shift.

“I feel incredibly honored to be part of this first class that has more autonomy over our futures,” Reale said. “Whether it’s for personal development or another reason, being able to choose the team that fits you best is really special.”

As the NWSL and its clubs adjust to this new reality, one thing is clear: players now have the freedom to shape their careers, and teams must innovate to attract and develop the best talent. The draft may be gone, but the future of the NWSL is more open—and more competitive—than ever before.