Former UCLA soccer player Quincy McMahon is eager to embark on her professional journey after securing a choice to play for San Diego Wave, marking one of the earliest transitions for college players to the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) in a newly structured system without a college draft.
The NWSL made a significant change last year by eliminating the draft as part of its updated collective-bargaining agreement with athletes. In contrast to previous years where college players would prepare for a draft in January, the current system places them directly in an open market.
After completing her college career, McMahon found herself actively sought after by various NWSL teams, many of which she became acquainted with during offseason training. With newfound liberty, she recruited an agent to aid in her professional pursuit and engaged in discussions with various teams.
“It was reminiscent of the college recruitment process,” McMahon noted. “I had conversations with head coaches, reviewed their presentations, and received contract proposals from different teams, which guided my decision-making process.”
Trinity Byars, Texas’s all-time leading goal scorer, was the first player to navigate this new system, signing with the San Diego Wave in November, followed by McMahon’s signing in December for a three-year contract.
The NWSL Players’ Association believes this transformation grants players like Byars and McMahon enhanced autonomy at the onset of their careers, compelling teams to vie for the top talents. This competition may lead to increased salaries and upgrades to club facilities.
Previously, while the draft was a joyous occasion for players, the absence of a formalized contract meant that little was officially secured until agreements were finalized. Teams retained rights to selected players for a specific duration, causing complications if they chose not to sign, as explained by Meghann Burke, the NWSL Players’ Association executive director.
Burke noted that many drafted players found themselves in situations where, despite initial excitement, they realized they were not a good fit for their new teams or would not see playing time. “Players felt stuck as clubs held their rights without an actual contract,” she elaborated.
While top players might now consider bypassing college, many educators assert the importance of collegiate development for athletes. Paul Ratcliffe, the head coach of Stanford women’s soccer, expressed his support for his players’ aspirations in the NWSL while emphasizing the value of education and personal growth.
Sophia Smith, who was part of the U.S. team that claimed Olympic gold in France last summer, played two impactful years at Stanford, where she won a national championship before entering the draft and being selected first overall by the Portland Thorns in 2020.
Reflecting on her time at Stanford, Smith shared, “My two years there had a lasting impact on my development both as an athlete and an individual. College molds you through real-world experiences and challenges.” Despite acknowledging a shift towards professional play, she believes a college education remains vital.
As the NWSL adapts to this draft-less reality, the adjustments are ongoing. In the most recent draft, 56 players were selected, while 27 recent college graduates have already signed with the league’s 14 teams as free agents.
Caitlyn Milby, the interim general manager for Racing Louisville, compared the current state of the league to the “wild, wild west,” indicating uncertainty in navigating this new environment.
NWSL Commissioner Jessica Berman confirmed that the league is in a phase of reevaluation, emphasizing the need for clubs to enhance their scouting practices. She expressed optimism that this shift would foster more effective conversations at the board level, aiding in the professional growth of soccer.
“The removal of the draft combined with full free agency necessitates a solid groundwork for talent acquisition. This will undeniably be a pivotal chapter for the league’s progression,” Berman concluded.
