NWSL Secondary Window Signings – 2023 v 2024

Taylor Vincent
Taylor Vincent, Resident NWSL ExpertAugust 13, 2024
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Almost halfway through the NWSL’s month-long secondary window, it’s a great time to look at last year’s secondary window signings, a breakdown of signings in the current window, and what teams still have space to sign more players (or what teams may need to get back down to 26).

2023  - 16 signings, 1 trade

Last year’s NWSL secondary window ran a month earlier than the 2024 window, from the end of June to the end of July ahead of the 2023 FIFA World Cup. During this time there were 16 players added across the league, and a single trade–which sent a 2023 International Spot from San Diego to Kansas City for allocation money. 

The breakdown of signings by position was a fairly even split with five forwards, five defenders, and six midfielders joining the league. Surprisingly, there were no goalkeepers added. Out of the 12 teams, only nine were active in the space. The future NWSL Championship winning Gotham FC—who when the window opened were fifth in the table—led the charge signing three new players: Spanish forward Esther Gonzalez, American forward Katie Stengel, and Spanish midfielder Maitane Lopez. Houston (then 8th), Washington (4th), Orlando (10th), Kansas City (11th), and North Carolina (2nd) all had two players added, while Portland (1st) , Angel City (9th), and San Diego (6th) all had one. 

When the dust settled at the end of decision day, the standings changed seven times, and San Diego had won the NWSL Shield for being top of the table, while Gotham would go on their impressive postseason run and take home the Championship. 


2023 NWSL Table Standings at the end of the regular season

2024 -  21 signings, 1 trade 

This year, the leagues secondary window coincides with the end of the 2024 Paris Olympics and runs from August 1st to August 30th. With the window overlapping less with the ending of the traditionally european seasons, which run from September to June, there were a lot of signings announced ahead of the actual window opening where players are expected to make their debuts once the window officially opens. So far, the signings have already surpassed the number of signings for the entire window last year and the sole trade of the window was player related as it sent Seattle defender Alana Cook to Kansas City for cash. 

Positionally, things aren’t too skewed in any one space with the 21 signings consisting of seven midfielders, seven forwards, five defenders, and two goalkeepers. 


Current NWSL table ahead of regular season restarting for the final ten matches

Seattle, who currently sit second to last, have thus far had the most signings in the window with four as they look to turn their season around. North Carolina (6th) has had three signings; Chicago (7th), Utah (14th), and Washington (3rd) all have had two signings, while Angel City (11th), Gotham (4th), Orlando (1st), Portland (5th), and San Diego (10th) have added one player. Kansas City has also signed one new player, as well as acquiring a second via trade from Seattle. 

Bay FC, Houston, and Racing have yet to add additional players thus far in the window. 

For more details on each team’s 2024 Secondary Window signings, check out the window tracker: here


Comparing 2023 and 2024 secondary window signings 

Current Active Roster Situation

The Olympics have now concluded and some teams are already announcing the release of their NTRPs (National Team Replacement Players). NWSL roster rules state that teams must keep at least 22 players on their active roster, and no more than 26. 

Assuming that all of the current NTRP’s are released and the players off at the Olympics return to active player state (keeping North Carolina’s Sydney Collins on the D45 list), below is the current state of teams’ active roster spots. Note: North Carolina would’ve been at 26 before Kerolin’s SEI designation was removed. 

At this point in the season, if team’s want to add more players than spots they have, there are a few mechanisms for releasing players including waiving a player, mutual termination of a contract, buying out an NWSL contract, sending players out on loan (seeing a number of these to the USL Super League right now), trading a player to another NWSL team, or another league. 


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