NWSL’s 11th season is just about here, and the league’s newcomers are an intriguing bunch.
The draft system still creates a bit of an awkward situation: a mix of players who have probably been ready to play pro soccer for years now coming in alongside long-term projects, all finding out their fate during one chaotic night in January. As the salary cap rises, the league remains an option for players from leagues across the world as well, particularly those looking to add some physical and mental toughness to their game.
While several teams opted for stability this winter over wholesale changes, every club has at least one new player in a position to play right away, or that will indicate a potential path forward for the long-term vision in a league where teams frankly haven’t always been able to plan further than a year or two down the road.
These are the most intriguing newcomers joining the NWSL in 2023: