Expanding NWSL International Spots

Taylor Vincent
Taylor Vincent, Resident NWSL ExpertSeptember 26, 2024
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With an expansion draft and collegiate draft this past offseason, the oh-so-coveted international spots played a big part, participating in four trades in December and January. As a reminder, any player who is not a domestic player, counts as an international player—meaning any player not holding U.S. citizenship or green card. Any international player will occupy an international spot with the exception of the eight grandfathered in Canadian Allocated players.

One of the then five maximum spots started in Utah and was then included in trades to Orlando, to Kansas City, and then to Houston where it remains unused this season. Utah was able to quickly get back to the then limit of five via a trade with Angel City for expansion draft protection. Most recently during the 2024 Secondary Trade Window, Gotham was able to get $100,000 for sending a 2024 and 2025 international spot to Utah. 

On March 14th, the NWSL announced that they were increasing the number of baseline international spots that teams have from five to seven. Spotrac spoke to a number of club leaders—from general managers and a coach—about how the change impacts their take on roster building and its impact on the overall competitiveness of the NWSL. 

Washington Spirit President of Soccer Operations and General Manager Mark Krikorian

“The increase of the number of international roster slots to seven will only improve the NWSL’s player pool, making this league even more competitive on a global scale. The expansion provides opportunities for clubs to bring in players with experience in a variety of play styles and for the league to continue its growth internationally.” 

Following a 2023 season which saw them finish the regular season in eighth, one point and a four goal differential off from the playoff line, the Spirit currently sit second in the NWSL table. Of their six international spots currently on the roster, three were added to their roster this year, including Colombian midfielder Leicy Santos, English defender Esme Morgan, and Ivorian forward Rosemonde Kouassi.

Orlando Pride Vice President of Soccer Operations and General Manager Haley Carter

“We all want the NWSL to be a world-leading league and a destination for the best athletes.” Increasing the number of international roster spots available creates additional opportunities for players from overseas to compete and entertain. International players can make an immediate and game changing impact to a roster and offer our domestic players, especially members of the U.S. Women’s National Team, the chance to test themselves against some of the best players in the world week in and week out.” 

“Competition among clubs to sign and recruit players is always high - both domestically and internationally - but it’s important we all do our part in making the NWSL a stronger league and a competitive environment for U.S. players to develop in and increasing the number of international spots available is aligned with that vision.”

Orlando missed the 2023 NWSL playoffs even narrower than the Spirit, having the same 31 points as fifth place Angel City and sixth place Gotham, but missing the postseason on goal differential alone. Ahead of the March 14th announcement, Orlando was right at the five international spot limit, after adding Zambian forward Barba Banda and Brazilian  midfielder Luana in the offseason. During the season they added Zambian midfielder Grace Chanda, unfortunately, Chanda was injured at the Olympics and placed on the SEI list before making her Pride debut. That being said, Orlando’s impressive depth has allowed them to go on a quite impressive run this season, as they currently sit atop the NWSL table, and after matchday 21 the team has still not lost a game.  

Kansas City Current Interim General Manager Caitlin Carducci

“The added spots have allowed us to pull in talent from known hotbeds like Brazil and Europe but also have the luxury of finding a Temwa from Malawi. The two extra spots give us the luxury of seeking out talent from lesser known areas and not just focusing on the big names.”

After finishing the 2023 season in eleventh of twelve teams, Kansas City went into 2024 under the direction of recently hired head coach Vlatko Andonovski. In the offseason, they acquired Malawi forward Temwa Chawinga—who currently is leading the league’s Golden Boot race with 16 goals, while the closest competitor, Barbra Banda, has 13, as well as Brazilian forward Bia Zaneratto. Although three internationals would depart the team by the time the secondary window closed, the team also added South African forward Hildah Magaia and now-starting German goalkeeper Almuth Schult. At the moment, Kansas City sits in fourth in the NWSL table and last weekend clinched their spot in the playoffs with an impressive win over the Spirit.  

Seattle Reign General Manager Lesle Gallimore

“Expanding international roster spots in the NWSL allows the league to attract top global talent, enhancing the overall quality and competitiveness. As the women’s game grows worldwide, a broader talent pool is crucial to maintaining the NWSL’s reputation as a leading league. Throughout Seattle Reign’s history, international stars like Kim Little, Jess Fishlock and Nahomi Kawasumi have become cornerstones of our success.” 

“By integrating diverse playing styles, we not only strengthen our team but also provide invaluable learning opportunities for domestic players. This shift helps the NWSL evolve into a truly global platform, expanding its fanbase while showcasing top-tier competition. With 2024 already highlighting the impact of international players, we are excited to see how this move continues to shape the future of the league.”

After getting to the 2023 NWSL Championship match, but falling to Gotham FC, the Reign added three international players to the roster ahead of the season, Welsh midfielder Angharad James, South Korean midfielder Ji So-Yun, and Welsh defender Lily Woodham. The team definitely struggled in the first half of the season, but in the Secondary Window added Swiss forward Ana-Maria Crnogorčević and Haitian forward Nérilia Mondésir. Since the NWSL restarted post-Olympics the Reign won their first three games, and has lifted themselves up from thirteenth to eleventh in the table. 

North Carolina Courage Head Coach Sean Nahas

Sean Nahas spoke about how after the seven international spots, there are still 19 other roster spots and the importance of making sure to build a foundation which supports the Courage’s style of play. “For us, it’s easy to go find the players we want because we know our style of play,” stated Nahas. “When you start to have these expansions and you start to do these things, having that in place is really important otherwise you are just making decisions to make decisions and they don’t always work out. You have to be strategic with it. It’ll definitely have a positive impact but again you have to want to lure those players over just like they’re probably trying to lure players from our league over.”

The Courage finished 2023 after losing in the NWSL quarterfinals, and currently sit in fifth place, seven points above the playoff line and the team has yet to lose a game at home. In the offseason, internationally the Courage added German defender Feli Rauch, and in the secondary window there were the additions of Brazilian forward Aline Gomes as well as Australian forward Cortnee Vine and defender Charlotte McLean. At the moment, the Courage have six players occupying international spots. 

 

Verdict

Increasing the international roster spots up to seven makes the NWSL more competitive. It will be interesting to see how utilization of those spots increases even further once teams have the entire offseason to work with when working on acquisitions toward 2025. 

 


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