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Emma Hruby

Oct 13, 2021

‘No more silence’: A comprehensive timeline of the NWSL’s reckoning

It’s amazing how much can change in two weeks. While the NWSL’s reckoning is far from complete, it’s safe to say that the league is not the same league that it was only 14 days ago. Since the story first broke of the Paul Riley scandal, jobs have been lost, promises have been made and a whole generation of players have stepped forward to demand the NWSL change.

In case you’ve lost track of all that has happened, we’ve laid out a timeline of the major events. This story is likely far from over. But here’s what’s happened so far:

Thursday, Sept. 30, 7 a.m. ET – The Athletic releases report detailing misconduct allegations against Paul Riley

Over a dozen players representing every team Riley has coached since 2010 as well as 10 other sources in the women’s game detail Paul Riley’s history of alleged sexual coercion and emotional abuse. Two, Sinead Farrelly and Mana Shim, exhaustively share their accounts of abuse.

Shim reveals that she reported the incidents to the Portland Thorns’ front office in 2015 with the help of Alex Morgan. Riley, who was coaching the Thorns at the time, was investigated by the club. The Thorns tell The Athletic that they “chose not to renew his contract” over their findings. At the time, the club made no mention of its investigation when it let Riley go, and five months later, he was hired by the Western New York Flash, who eventually became the North Carolina Courage.

Thursday, Sept. 30, 7:15 a.m. ET – The NWSLPA responds

The NWSL Players Association puts out a statement in response to the story in The Athletic. In it, they demand immediate action and say they “refuse to be silent any longer.”

Thursday, Sept. 30, 9:15 a.m. ET – Players begin to react

Players around the league begin to react. Morgan, who is featured in The Athletic article, calls on the NWSL to “do the right thing” as others begin to express their shock and disappointment.

Among them are Sam Mewis and Lynn Williams, who both played under Riley at North Carolina and in Western New York.

USWNT star and OL Reign midfielder Megan Rapinoe says that “not once during this whole time was the right person protected,” calling for all those who enabled the abuse to be fired.

Louisville’s Nadia Nadim also speaks out, calling the NWSL “a joke.”

Thursday, Sept. 30, 3:04 p.m. ET – Portland Thorns release statement about the allegations

The Thorns, who were at the center of The Athletic’s story, release their first statement, thanking Shim and Farrelly for “bravely speaking out” and apologizing for their role in the abuse.

“There is much in the article we are first hearing about now,” they write, adding that they conducted a thorough investigation in 2015. While they did not find evidence of “unlawful activity,” the Thorns say they chose to sever ties with Riley over the findings, which they shared with the league.

Thursday, Sept. 30, 3:20 p.m. ET – North Carolina Courage fire Paul Riley

The North Carolina Courage announce that they have fired head coach Paul Riley, effective immediately, following the allegations raised in The Athletic.

“The Courage support the players who have come forward and we commend them for bravely sharing their stories,” the team says in a statement.

Assistant Sean Nahas is named head coach on an interim basis for the remainder of the season.

Thursday, Sept. 30, 3:20 p.m. ET – NWSL commissioner Lisa Baird responds to allegations

NWSL commissioner Lisa Baird issues a response to the allegations, saying that she is “shocked and disgusted.” She adds that the NWSL is reporting the allegations to the US Center for SafeSport for investigation.

“A safe and secure work environment is a top priority for the league and its collective ownership,” she says in a statement.

Thursday, Sept. 30, 4:29 p.m. ET – Alex Morgan speaks out against the league

After commissioner Lisa Baird releases her statement, USWNT star and former Portland Thorns player Alex Morgan reveals she has the receipts proving the NWSL was contacted about Farrelly’s allegations. Morgan previously helped Shim report her story to the Thorns.

“The league was informed of these allegations multiple times and refused multiple times to investigate the allegations,” Morgan writes.

Morgan posts screenshots of the emails between Farrelly and Baird, in which Baird said that the initial complaint was “investigated to conclusion” before wishing her “the best.”

Thursday, Sept. 30, 5:54 p.m. ET – US Soccer suspends Riley’s coaching license

US Soccer says in a statement that they are “deeply disturbed” by the allegations and have suspended Riley’s Pro Level coaching license, effective immediately.

Riley is later barred from US Soccer facilities by SafeSport.

Friday, Oct. 1, 12:06 a.m. ET – Lisa Baird takes “full responsibility” as NWSL opts not to play weekend games

In a statement regarding the weekend’s matches, Baird takes “full responsibility” for her role in the allegations.

“This week, and much of this season, has been incredibly traumatic for our players and staff, and I take full responsibility for the role I have played,” Baird says. “I am so sorry for the pain so many are feeling.”

The announcement also says the NWSL has opted not to play games over the weekend.

Friday, Oct. 1, 12:20 p.m. ET – Reports say OL Reign coach Farid Benstiti resigned over abuse allegations

Following the report on Riley, The Washington Post details how another coach, Farid Benstiti, was the subject “of a formal complaint of verbal abuse made by a player.”

Benstiti resigned from his position in July. At the time, OL Reign’s CEO Bill Predmore thanked the coach for his “contributions” before saying that the club “wished him the best in all his future endeavors.” Only now does it come out that an investigation occurred and Predmore asked Benstiti to resign.

Friday, Oct. 1, 4:13 p.m. ET – Chicago Red Stars co-owner Sarah Spain comments on allegations

Chicago Red Stars co-owner Sarah Spain spoke out against the allegations, saying that she is “blindsided by the toxic culture” of the NWSL and even wondered if she should “get out.”

“I’m committed to burning it all down and building it back without the fear, power dynamics, toxicity, and secrecy that allowed it to get where it is,” says Spain of the NWSL.

Friday, Oct. 1, 6:32 p.m. ET – FIFA, US Soccer open up investigations into NWSL

In a statement, FIFA writes that they are “deeply concerned” with the allegations in the NWSL and have subsequently opened a preliminary investigation.

Additionally, US Soccer announces that they are also launching an independent investigation into the allegations.

“We take seriously our responsibility to vigorously investigate the abhorrent behavior that has been reported and gain a full and frank understanding of the factors that allowed it to happen, and the changes that should be made to make sure it doesn’t happen again,” U.S. Soccer says in an official statement.

Friday, Oct. 1, 9:47 p.m. ET – NWSL announces it has “received and accepted” Lisa Baird’s resignation

Following earlier reports that Baird had been forced out by the NWSL’s Board of Governors, the NWSL says it has received and accepted her resignation. General counsel Lisa Levine is also reported to have been ousted, though she too is officially said to have resigned.

Baird later resigns from the US Soccer Federation’s Board of Directors.

Saturday, Oct. 2, 12:15 a.m. ET – NFLPA, WNBPA express support for NWSL players

Two players associations of other pro sports leagues express their support for NWSL players amid the fallout.

“The reports about abuse of our sisters in the NWSL are alarming,” the NFLPA says in its tweet. “We stand in solidarity with them.”

Saturday, Oct. 2, 4:45 p.m. ET – Portland Thorns supporters protest while Timbers players express support

A group of protestors gathered outside of the Portland Thorns’ stadium on Saturday in response to the allegations against former Thorns head coach Paul Riley. The Rose City Riveters, the Thorns’ official supporters, organized the rally.

That same day, Portland Timbers players pen a letter in support of NWSL players, saying “there is no place in sport for abuse of women — in any league, in any country, at any level.”

Sunday, Oct. 3, 5:32 p.m. ET – NWSL announces “commitment to systemic transformation”

The NWSL announces on Sunday their “commitment to systemic transformation,” outlining initiatives to review the league, including reopening the 2015 investigation into the allegations made against Riley.

Additionally, a new executive committee comprised of the Orlando Pride’s Amanda Duffy, Kansas City’s Angie Long and OL Reign’s Sophie Sauvage is formed. The league announces it has also begun a global search for a permanent commissioner.

Midge Purce later calls the promises “not nearly enough.”

Monday, Oct. 4, 12:05 p.m. ET – Thorns owner Merritt Paulson pens letter

Portland Thorns’ owner Merritt Paulson breaks his silence on Monday in a letter released by the Thorns. In it, he says the entire organization is “reeling and devastated” by the abuse that Mana Shim and Sinead Farrelly endured as members of the organization.

He then outlines how the Thorns have “zero tolerance for harassment or discrimination of any kind.”

In his note, he says that the club terminated Riley. It’s the first time the Thorns have used that language, having previously said they simply chose not to renew Riley’s contract.

Paulson apologizes for not publicly mentioning the investigation when the team let Riley go in 2015.

Monday, Oct. 4, 10:45 p.m. ET – Lisa Baird says she’s “proud of what I did to make the league better”

In her first public comments since resigning, Baird says in a statement Monday that she is proud of her efforts to make the league better.

“I fought to enact initiatives that protected the women in our league,” she says, citing mandatory screening and background checks, protection plans for the safety of players younger than 18 years old, anti-harassment training and the implementation of new anti-harassment and anti-discrimination policies.

“I am invested in and care deeply about the NWSL and its players,” she continued. “The women who play our game deserve to be protected and I am proud of what I did to make the League better.”

Tuesday, Oct. 5, 8 a.m. ET – Mana Shim and Sinead Farrelly speak out

Farrelly and Shim spoke publicly for the first time on The Today Show with Alex Morgan, calling the days since the story’s release a “whole spectrum of emotions.”

“I want more,” Shim says. “I want more justice. I want policies. I want players to be protected. At the same time, I feel like we’re on the right path.”

Morgan also addresses the league’s inaction.

“Something we ask is for the league to start being proactive and not reactive,” Morgan says. “We ask for transparency.”

Tuesday, Oct. 5, 8 a.m. ET – NWSLPA announces they will resume play on Wednesday

After foregoing the weekend’s slate of games, the NWSLPA announces it will resume play on Wednesday, while also saying their demands “will be forthcoming.”

Tuesday, Oct. 5, 9:15 a.m. ET – Washington Spirit CEO Steve Baldwin steps down

Baldwin announces his resignation as CEO on Tuesday, giving Spirit president Ben Olsen “full authority over all club operations.”

Spirit players had reportedly written Baldwin a letter asking him to step down as CEO and Managing Director following earlier allegations of abuse against their former coach.

Tuesday, Oct. 5, 5:06 p.m. ET – Portland Thorns’ supporters announce boycott

The Rose City Riveters, the Timbers Army and the 107IST release a joint statement on Tuesday stating they will be boycotting concession stands and team stores until their list of demands are met.

Included in those demands is the “immediate and complete removal” of GM Gavin Wilkinson over his role in the Thorns’ 2015 investigation and firing of Riley.

Wednesday, Oct. 6, 11:05 a.m. ET – Courage owner Steve Malik reveals the Courage new about Thorns’ investigation

In a letter, North Carolina Courage owner Steve Malik reveals the Courage knew about the Thorns’ 2015 investigation into Riley.

When they acquired the Western New York Flash in 2017, Malik asserts that ownership did “due diligence” in their investigations of the coach but were assured he was “in good standing.”

According to Malik, upon learning of the extent of the full allegations, the club immediately fired Riley.

Wednesday, Oct. 6, 7:16 p.m. ET – NWSLPA outlines demands

As games get underway on Wednesday, the NWSLPA releases a list of eight demands, revealing that they will be conducting their own investigation. They ask the NWSL to cooperate with said investigation.

“We will be relentless in our pursuit of a league that deserves the players in it,” they write.

The deadline to agree with the demands is Wednesday, Oct. 13.

Wednesday, Oct. 6, 7:27 p.m. ET – NWSL players pause games in solidarity with abuse victims

As the NWSL returns to play, players pause at the sixth minute of each game to link arms together in the middle of the field.

The NWSL Players Association says that the players paused at the sixth minute “in recognition of the six years it took for Mana, Sinead, and all those who fought for too long to be heard.”

Wednesday, Oct. 6, 7:52 p.m. ET – Washington Spirit players demand Steve Baldwin sell the team

Washington Spirit players release a public letter to co-owner Steve Baldwin demanding he sell the team to Y. Michele Kang. They say Baldwin’s earlier resignation was not in line with their demands, as they “clearly meant you should not retain any management control.”

“You still have a firm grip as majority owner on the decisions that need to be made at the club even if they are made from behind a veil,” they continue.

Additionally, the players say they have no confidence in the club’s new president, Ben Olsen, who was hired by Baldwin without Kang’s input.

Wednesday, Oct. 6, 9:07 p.m. ET – Portland Thorns place GM Gavin Wilkinson on administrative leave

The Thorns announce that they have placed Wilkinson on administrative leave pending the results of the outside independent investigation. The announcement comes within hours of the team’s players releasing a statement in which they demand Wilkinson be placed on leave “until the process concludes.”

Thursday, Oct. 7, 12:35 a.m. ET – Thorns’ coach Mark Parsons says he knew of 2015 investigation

Following Wednesday night’s game, Thorns head coach Mark Parsons says he was made aware of an incident and an investigation in regards to Riley’s 2015 departure from the team.

“It was an area where I wasn’t allowed and wasn’t able to know more,” he says.

Friday, Oct. 8 – Washington Spirit co-owner Steve Baldwin reportedly makes, then rescinds offer to sell team to Y. Michele Kang

According to reporting by The Athletic, Baldwin made an offer to Y. Michele Kang to sell the team at three times its most recent valuation. Kang was reportedly willing to sign the check. However, before Kang could officially accept or negotiate, the offer was rescinded.

According to the report, Baldwin is now planning to sell to a local group or an interested party outside of the D.C. area.

The Spirit’s Aubrey Bledsoe is subsequently quoted as saying that Baldwin is not respecting the player’s wishes.

“We have made it very clear the path forward for this team,” Bledsoe says following the Spirit’s Saturday night win. “We believe that Michele will be a great owner and continually put the players first.”

Referencing the players’ open letter, Bledsoe adds, “I don’t think Steve is going to honor our demand or request.”

Sunday, Oct. 10, 7:33 a.m. ET – Chelsea FC women link arms in solidarity with NWSL players

Player protests officially go global as Chelsea’s players and staff link arms in a show of support for NWSL players ahead of their Women’s Super League game on Sunday.

Fellow FAWSL clubs will later recreate the show of solidarity.

JWS Staff

Jul 1, 2025

Caitlin Clark Player Edition Kobe 5 Sneakers Fly Off Nike’s Shelves

An image of the Nike Kobe V Protro sneakers designed by WNBA star Caitlin Clark.
The Nike Player Edition Kobe V Protros designed by Caitlin Clark sold out in minutes on Monday. (Nike)

The first Nike Player Edition sneakers designed by WNBA star Caitlin Clark sold out almost immediately on Monday morning, with fans snapping up the limited run of the Fever guard's Kobe 5 Protros within minutes of the 10 AM ET online drop.

Inspired by the Indiana Fever's colors, Clark's high-gloss Kobe shoes come in Midnight Blue with a tongue and additional accents in Bright Crimson, as well as "vibrant hits of University Gold."

Though Nike did not disclose actual stock numbers, multiple sneaker insiders estimated that Monday's release included just 13,000 pairs of Clark's edition.

Originally on sale for $190 through Nike's website, the Kobe 5 Protro PE is already topping $350 on the resale market.

Clark has been a Nike athlete since inking an NIL deal with the sportswear giant just before her junior NCAA season at the University of Iowa in October 2022, with the WNBA sophomore later signing a reported eight-year, $28 million endorsement contract just after finishing her collegiate career.

That current deal, inked just after the Indiana Fever selected Clark as the 2024 WNBA Draft's overall No. 1 pick, includes the release of a signature shoe.

While Nike still plans to add Clark to its signature shoe roster, the brand appears to be testing the market's waters using the guard's preferred on-court Kobe sneakers — to a sellout success.

How to buy the Caitlin Clark x Nike Kobe 5 Protro PE

Plans looking to pay retail prices for Clark's latest sneaker design will have to wait for Nike to restock, with online resellers like StockX, GOAT, and Flight Club currently selling the shoes at a significant markup.

JWS Staff

Jul 1, 2025

Waivers, Trades Rattle WNBA Standings as Teams Hunt Midseason Boosts

Dallas Wings forward NaLyssa Smith looks down during a 2025 WNBA game.
Former Dallas Wings forward NaLyssa Smith was abruptly traded to the Las Vegas Aces on Monday. (Cooper Neill/NBAE via Getty Images)

With the 2025 WNBA All-Star break looming later this month, teams across the league aren't waiting for the August 7th deadline to pull the trigger on trades and waivers, significantly shaking up league rosters.

On Monday, Dallas abruptly traded forward NaLyssa Smith to the Las Vegas Aces in exchange for a 2027 first-round draft pick, surprising Smith and her Wings teammates — including girlfriend DiJonai Carrington.

"Sick to my stomach dawg, never seen this coming," Smith posted to X after the WNBA announced the trades, adding "if I could've chose anywhere to go it would've been Vegas, so hella excited [for] this new opportunity."

WNBA trades target future prospects

The recent WNBA trades both reflect the depth of options Dallas has in their frontcourt — most recently boosted by the Wings acquiring center Li Yueru from Seattle last month — and indicates the team's early play at a talented WNBA Draft class, with NCAA stars like USC's JuJu Watkins and Notre Dame's Hannah Hidalgo going pro in 2027.

At the same time, Smith's trade extends Las Vegas's first-round draft drought, with the Aces — who last added a first-round selection in 2022 — currently without an early draft pick until 2028.

As the Las Vegas focuses on leveling up this season, hoping Smith helps boost their current seventh-place league standing, the Aces also added roster cuts to their Monday trade.

Las Vegas handed out waivers to guard Tiffany Mitchell and second-year forward Elizabeth Kitley, who was selected 24th overall by the Aces in the 2024 WNBA Draft despite tearing her ACL at the end of her NCAA career.

Golden State Valkyries guard Julie Vanloo looks on during a 2025 WNBA game.
Golden State waived Belgian guard Julie Vanloo as she returned from winning the 2025 EuroBasket. (Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images)

Golden State waives 2025 EuroBasket champ Vanloo

Making their own controversial Monday move was 2025 expansion side Golden State, as the Valkyries cut Belgian guard Julie Vanloo shortly after the 2025 EuroBasket champion rushed to return to California, skipping her national team's title-winning celebrations.

"Literally just touched down in the bay," Vanloo wrote on an Instagram story littered with broken heart emojis. "I need some time to process all of this man and put my feels into words. I can't right now."

While Golden State faces backlash for the timing of the cut, waiving Vanloo ultimately opens up a contract for the Valkyries, with rumors swirling that either guard Kaitlyn Chen or forward Laeticia Amihere will earn the roster spot after impressing as replacement players during European absences.

All in all, with WNBA roster space remaining at a premium, teams are making big swings in an effort to shore up their ranks as they push toward the 2025 season's halfway point.

Claire Watkins

Jul 1, 2025

Indiana Fever Face Minnesota Lynx at 2025 WNBA Commissioner’s Cup Final

The Indiana Fever huddle during a 2025 WNBA game.
The Indiana Fever will play in their first-ever Commissioner's Cup final on Tuesday night. (Jeff Haynes/NBAE via Getty Images)

The 2025 WNBA Commissioner's Cup final tips off on Tuesday night, when first-time finalist Indiana will look to upset reigning Cup champs Minnesota in a winner-take-all showdown for both bragging rights and the lion's share of the in-season tournament's prize pool.

With the total purse set at $500,000, athletes on the winning team will earn around $30,000 each — plus an additional $5,000 for the Commissioner's Cup final MVP — while losing players will take home $10,000.

While Tuesday's final won't count toward the regular-season WNBA standings, the battle will be the first meeting between the Lynx and Fever this year, adding first-clash drama to the already-high stakes.

"I think it's going to feel like a playoff game. It's going to be really fun," Lynx star Napheesa Collier told reporters, noting Minnesota's home-court advantage in the matchup. "Our fans show up for us every game, but especially in that environment ... it's going to be electrifying."

Despite the excitement, player availability could tip the scales in Tuesday's outcome, as both Collier and Fever guard Caitlin Clark contend with recent injuries.

While Collier returned from a lingering back issue without missing a beat last weekend, Clark missed Indiana's last two games due to a groin issue and is currently "questionable" to play for the Commissioner's Cup.

"I'm going to be day-to-day," Clark said on Sunday. "Doing everything I can to put myself in position to play the next game. That's always my goal."

How to watch tonight's WNBA Commissioner's Cup final

The Minnesota Lynx and Indiana Fever will take the court for the 2025 WNBA Commissioner's Cup final at 8 PM ET on Tuesday.

Live coverage of the in-season tournament's championship game will air on Prime.

Claire Watkins

Jul 1, 2025

WNBA Drops All-Star Game Starters, Taps Rookie Paige Bueckers

Dallas Wings rookie Paige Bueckers celebrates a play during a 2025 WNBA game against the Indiana Fever.
Paige Bueckers is the only rookie to make the 2025 WNBA All-Star Game starting lineup. (Mercedes Oliver/NBAE via Getty Images)

The WNBA dropped its All-Star Game starters list on Monday, with just one rookie earning enough votes to feature on the star-studded 10-player lineup.

In addition to being the lone rookie, Dallas's No. 1 overall draft pick Paige Bueckers will be the only All-Star debutant playing in the game's first minutes, as the Wings guard joins nine previous All-Stars to tip off the July 19th matchup — giving her a presumptive edge in this year's Rookie of the Year race.

Joining Bueckers as WNBA All-Star starters will be team captains Napheesa Collier (Minnesota Lynx) and Caitlin Clark (Indiana Fever), as well as Aliyah Boston (Indiana Fever), Allisha Gray (Atlanta Dream), Sabrina Ionescu (New York Liberty), Nneka Ogwumike (Seattle Storm), Satou Sabally (Phoenix Mercury), Breanna Stewart (New York Liberty), and A'ja Wilson (Las Vegas Aces).

A mix of 50% fan voting, 25% player voting, and 25% media voting determined the 2025 WNBA All-Star Game starting lineup — though the three groups did not necessarily come to a consensus.

For example, players ranked Clark ninth among guards, while the media put her in third. A record-setting 1.29 million fan votes boosted the Fever star into a captain's role.

As for players who fell just short of a starting position, like Indiana guard Kelsey Mitchell and Chicago forward Angel Reese fell just short of starting at their positions, their All-Star dreams aren't over yet.

Head coaches across the league will now vote to select 12 reserve players, likely adding both fan favorites and stat-sheet stars to the July 6th final All-Star player pool, with Collier and Clark building their teams from that list on July 8th.

Though reputation, skill, and popularity all factor into All-Star nods, this year's group is also underlining the depth of the WNBA's talent base.

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