The National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) has recently reached a new collective-bargaining agreement (CBA) that has done away with the college draft. This shift marks a significant transition for players, teams, and the league as they adapt to this new framework.

In a groundbreaking decision, the NWSL became the first major professional sports league in the United States to abolish both the college and expansion drafts under its latest CBA, which was adopted in late August. This change aligns the NWSL more closely with professional soccer leagues around the world that do not depend on college programs for talent development. Notably, the USL Super League—a newly established women’s pro soccer league that began operations last year with eight teams—also debuted without a college draft.

For players seeking to transition from college soccer to the professional arena, there are now new opportunities. They can enlist agents who will assist them in finding a suitable team and navigating the signing of rookie contracts. Leadership among the top talent may afford them multiple offers from different teams. Additionally, many players have previously engaged in informal training sessions with NWSL clubs during their offseasons, creating a sense of familiarity that can be advantageous for both players and teams. Top-tier talents may even opt to bypass college altogether or leave their college programs early in pursuit of professional careers.

This change also implies that teams will need to place a higher emphasis on talent scouting and identification. Previously, with players entering a draft process, teams could rely on a list of eligible draft candidates to refine their selections. NWSL Commissioner Jessica Berman has indicated that the league is currently exploring the best ways to facilitate pathways for young athletes aspiring to turn professional.

There are still benefits associated with collegiate soccer, such as receiving coaching and gaining educational credentials. For many players, obtaining a degree remains an invaluable fallback option should a professional sporting career not materialize. Furthermore, the rising popularity of women’s soccer has led to an increase in playing opportunities. In both the U.S. and Canada, initiatives like the USL Super League are expanding the landscape, and Canada will soon see action from the Northern Super League, which is launching in April with six founding clubs. In Mexico, Liga MX Femenil promotes growth as well, while global leagues like England’s Women’s Super League and Spain’s Liga F continue to enhance competition on the international stage.