April 23, 2025
Is the Sports Draft Obsolete?
By Phoebe Grandi
With the players association’s new collective bargaining agreement, the National Women’s Soccer League became the first major league in American sports to abolish the college draft.
In August of last year, the National Women’s Soccer League made history by becoming the first American sports league to abolish the college and expansion draft, a monumental agreement that provides collegiate prospects with unprecedented autonomy as well as newfound challenges.
The elimination of the NWSL’s draft system was enacted by an agreement between the league and its players association on a new collective bargaining agreement, which removed the use of the draft, increased player compensation and prevented players from being traded without their consent, along with further investment in league amenities and staffing.
“The draft is an antiquated model that empowers teams to decide for players instead of players deciding for themselves,” said NWSLPA president Tori Huster in the association’s statement. “Now, Players can choose the team environment that fits their needs and maximizes their opportunities. Teams will need to step up to create environments that appeal to players.”
