Amid allegations of sexual coercion and emotional abuse by North Carolina Courage coach Paul Riley, NWSL players are speaking out in reaction and support of their colleagues.

Alex Morgan, who is featured in The Athletic article and who originally helped Mana Shim report her experiences to the Portland Thorns and the league, tweeted out in support.

“I am sickened and have too many thoughts to share at this moment,” she wrote. “Bottom line: protect your players. Do the right thing NWSL.”

Mana and Sinead, we support you and are in your corner. I am sickened and have too many thoughts to share at this moment. Bottom line: protect your players. Do the right thing @NWSL https://t.co/7TGymLLrvn

— Alex Morgan (@alexmorgan13) September 30, 2021

USWNT star Megan Rapinoe also called out the clubs and executives which have allowed coaches accused of misconduct to find new roles elsewhere.

Men, protecting men, who are abusing women. I’ll say it again, men, protecting men, who are ABUSING WOMEN. Burn it all down. Let all their heads roll. https://t.co/iHg3JlVVe0

— Megan Rapinoe (@mPinoe) September 30, 2021

Haley Carter also voiced her support for the players, calling for the Courage to suspend Riley immediately.

“Abuse of any kind has no place in the game,” she wrote. “Get him away from players. Get any staff who was aware of this behavior and failed to report it away from players. This is a zero tolerance matter.”

Abuse of any kind has no place in the game. Suspend him immediately. Get him away from players. Get any staff who was aware of this behavior and failed to report it away from players. This is a zero tolerance matter. @meghannburke and @nwsl_players are spot on. https://t.co/UcK98HBOyJ

— Haley Carter - هیلی کارتر (@H_C_Carter) September 30, 2021

Nikki Stanton thanked those who shared their stories, telling them “it won’t be for nothing.”

Heart is heavy. Thank you to those who shared their stories, can’t fathom how hard this had to be to relive and share with the world. But it won’t be for nothing. We will fight for you and the other players, past and present, who have been in similar horrible experiences. https://t.co/poOqiQ3K8l

— Nikki Stanton (@GutiNikki7) September 30, 2021

Meanwhile, Nadia Nadim called the NWSL “such a joke.”

“Making their own bogus investigation, keeping it confidential, and then keep having the back of people that’s doing wrong have to stop,” she wrote.

“I’m back in this league to make a difference and to improve things. This league can be great, as we have the best players in the world. We just need to get the idiots out, gain power and make this league as great as it CAN be.”

Making their own bogus investigation, keeping it confidential, and then keep having the back of people that’s doing wrong have to stop.

— Nadia Nadim (@nadia_nadim) September 30, 2021

Still, I’m back in this league to make a difference and to improve things. This league can be great, as we have the best players in the world.

We just need to get the idiots out, gain power and make this league as great as it CAN be.

— Nadia Nadim (@nadia_nadim) September 30, 2021

Christine Sinclair called it “everyone’s responsibility to hold the standards and enforce accountability.”

Protect the players. Protect women. It’s everyone’s responsibility to hold the standards and enforce accountability. Why are we still dealing with these mostly male transgressions? This is unacceptable. @NWSL

— Christine Sinclair (@sincy12) September 30, 2021

Kealia Ohai Watt thanked Shim and Farrelly for their bravery.

“I am so sorry for what you have had to go through,” she wrote.

Mana and Sinead, thank you for your bravery. I am so sorry for what you have had to go through. I am sick. Protect your players @NWSL https://t.co/W9oRRpuN29

— Kealia Ohai Watt (@KealiaOhai) September 30, 2021

Janine Beckie also tweeted in support.

Thinking of all my friends, former teammates, and all players in the NWSL. What they’re having to deal with is far, far beyond reason or understanding. Protect your players.

— Janine Beckie (@janinebeckie) September 30, 2021

Becky Sauerbrunn thanked those who have spoken out in recent months for their “strength and courage.” She also thanked the NWSLPA for the leadership they’ve shown and asked players to make use of the resources the PA has made available.

“We’ve been doing this for almost a decade now, with two prior leagues’ worth of experience beforehand to inform and guide us,” she wrote. “To be where we are today is unacceptable. The league and every club have to do better.”

https://t.co/XrV2EQA0oL pic.twitter.com/PjMt8l20ZC

— Becky Sauerbrunn (@beckysauerbrunn) September 30, 2021

Angel City FC also tweeted out in response to the NWSLPA’s statement, saying, “we will not and are not ignoring this.”

NWSL Players deserve better and we stand by you. We will not and are not ignoring this. https://t.co/NzZyTxBmUg

— Angel City FC (@weareangelcity) September 30, 2021

They later issued a full statement, calling the allegations “absolutely horrific and unacceptable.”

pic.twitter.com/X6SrOXnGsr

— Angel City FC (@weareangelcity) September 30, 2021

Gotham FC issued a statement of their own, alongside GM Yael Averbuch West.

Speaking out and speaking up is how conditions will improve for professional women’s’ soccer. The time is now. https://t.co/HuhOMcSAD1

— NJ/NY Gotham FC (@GothamFC) September 30, 2021

Thank you to the players who so bravely came forward to share their personal experiences. The entirety of NWSL is responsible for the safety of our members, and we MUST do more and be better on their behalf. https://t.co/RDujjMIphF

— Yael Averbuch West (@Yael_Averbuch) September 30, 2021

Didi Haracic tweeted “DO NOT IGNORE THIS.”

DO NOT IGNORE THIS. https://t.co/rwzQBJ2p4r

— 𝘿𝙞𝘿𝙞 𝙃𝙖𝙧𝙖𝙘𝙞𝙘 (@DIdeeds) September 30, 2021

Crystal Dunn also responded, tweeting “Protect players! Protect women!”

🗣Protect players! Protect women!

— Crystal Dunn | Soubrier | (@Cdunn19) September 30, 2021

Angela Salem expressed her sadness and dissapointment.

“Enough is enough!” she wrote. “Players should not have to suffer anymore. The last few weeks have been a shitshow. My heart is so heavy right now.”

Anger. Pain. Sadness. Disappointment. Enough is enough! Players should not have to suffer anymore. The last few weeks have been a shitshow. My heart is so heavy right now. PROTECT THE PLAYERS!!!!! https://t.co/eJESxY2Xrq

— Angela Salem (@asalem6) September 30, 2021

Rachel Corsie echoed the NWSLPA, stating “WE WILL NOT LET THIS CONTINUE.”

WE WILL NOT LET THIS CONTINUE. https://t.co/5MzHjq0Kbk

— Rachel Corsie (@RachelCorsie14) September 30, 2021

Megan Rapinoe also responded to the allegations.

“Men, protecting men, who are abusing women,” she wrote. “I’ll say it again, men, protecting men, who are ABUSING WOMEN.

“Burn it all down. Let all their heads roll.”

Men, protecting men, who are abusing women. I’ll say it again, men, protecting men, who are ABUSING WOMEN. Burn it all down. Let all their heads roll. https://t.co/iHg3JlVVe0

— Megan Rapinoe (@mPinoe) September 30, 2021

Meghan Klingenberg added to statements she made in August at the International Champions Cup.

“It takes real courage to speak out about abuse and harassment in this league, especially when the perpetrators are often rehired and the very institutions that are supposed to protect us from them give them a free pass for abusive behavior,” she wrote. “It is enraging that the NWSL knew about this abuse and allowed the abuser to be rehired…A safe work environment is the lowest bar.

“This league won’t fold. But it sure as hell won’t ever be the same. And that’s a good thing.”

We Deserve Better (Part II) pic.twitter.com/c1MIAnrOde

— Meghan Klingenberg (@meghankling) September 30, 2021

She then called out Lisa Baird in the NWSL’s statement, calling the accusations “not *new*”

they’re not *new* https://t.co/k41QoSoFC0

— Bethany Balcer (@bethanybalcer) September 30, 2021

“People need to stop blaming others for their feelings & saying ‘i’m sorry what i said/did made you feel that way,'” she wrote in a later tweet. “Own up to the fact that they were wrong. what hurts me most is that people are still failing to hold themselves accountable.”

people need to stop blaming others for their feelings & saying “i’m sorry what i said/did made you feel that way” & own up to the fact that they were wrong. what hurts me most is that people are still failing to hold themselves accountable. own up to your shit and quit hiding it

— Bethany Balcer (@bethanybalcer) September 30, 2021

Toni Deion Pressley also threw her support behind Shim and Farrelly.

Thank you Sinead and Mana for speaking up! We stand behind you and we support you! https://t.co/l6p5gBxkZf

— Toni Deion Pressley (@Toni_Deion) September 30, 2021

Bella Bixby tweeted “ENOUGH IS ENOUGH”

ENOUGH IS ENOUGH. https://t.co/9wvx62auOn

— Bella Bixby (@bellageist) September 30, 2021

“The bare minimum we ask is that we can show up and do our job in a safe environment,” she wrote in another tweet. “This abuse occurs at every level that I know of and it is horrifying. When will leadership stop falling on the players alone to protect each other? Protect players, protect women. Period.”

The bare minimum we ask is that we can show up and do our job in a safe environment. This abuse occurs at every level that I know of and it is horrifying. When will leadership stop falling on the players alone to protect each other? Protect players, protect women. Period.

— Bella Bixby (@bellageist) September 30, 2021

Sophia Smith responded to the allegations on Twitter, calling it “scary” as a young player.

“It’s a scary and intimidating feeling to never know who’s looking out for you or who you can trust,” she wrote. “the bare minimum is being asked of the league to protect its players, and they can’t even do that.”

what’s happening in this league is sickening. as a young player it’s a scary and intimidating feeling to never know who’s looking out for you or who you can trust. the bare minimum is being asked of the league to protect its players, and they can’t even do that.

— Sophia Smith (@sophsssmith) September 30, 2021

San Diego NWSL also responded, calling players the “nucleus” of the NWSL.

pic.twitter.com/jSjPXGvrYe

— San Diego (@SanDiegoNWSL) September 30, 2021

Head coach Casey Stoney also responded, calling player welfare “paramount.”

“Creating an open, honest, caring & supportive environment is something I pride myself on & will continue in my new role,” she continued. “It is never easy to speak out but those players are brave & courageous.”

I’m saddened & disgusted by today’s news. Player welfare is paramount. Creating an open, honest, caring & supportive environment is something I pride myself on & will continue in my new role. It is never easy to speak out but those players are brave & courageous #Timeforchange https://t.co/OIzHyLqlMW

— Casey Stoney MBE 💙 (@CaseyStoney) September 30, 2021

Rosie White called it “disturbing and disgusting.”

Disturbing and disgusting. No one should ever have to experience such abuse. We’ve had enough of this bullshit. https://t.co/TUYsZfi6Ns

— Rosie White (@rosiewhite13) September 30, 2021

The Chicago Red Stars also issued a statement, saying they are “outraged to hear about another instance of player abuse and are devastated for the players involved.”

A statement from the Chicago Red Stars pic.twitter.com/iTs4RExoHf

— Chicago Red Stars (@chicagoredstars) September 30, 2021

Kaiya McCullough, who has detailed her own accounts of abuse allegations to the Washington Post over former coach Richie Burke, said she “held back tears” as she read the article.

“How long does this need to go on?” she wrote.

No more half-assed responses. No more lack of transparency. No more dismissing credible allegations. The fact that so many women have been put through the EXACT same shit without any consequences is pathetic. How long does this need to go on?

— Kai (@hiyakaiya) September 30, 2021

“Every time I feel like I have found some sort of peace, I am re-traumatized with the fact that the same shit is happening to others, and nobody in positions of power are doing anything,” she continued.

Every time I feel like I have found some sort of peace, I am re-traumatized with the fact that the same shit is happening to others, and nobody in positions of power are doing anything. I am sad. I am hurt. I hope that those affected can find peace. I am sorry this has happened.

— Kai (@hiyakaiya) September 30, 2021

Julie Foudy also responded.

“A league for women. Yet @NWSL fails to protect women,” she wrote.

A league for women. Yet @NWSL fails to protect women. And then tries to continue to sweep it under the rug. Support these players. Believe these players. Protect these players. Transparency, accountability NOW.

— Julie Foudy (@JulieFoudy) September 30, 2021

Nicole Baxter also sounded off, saying she was “enraged.”

My heart hurts so bad for Sinead and Mana. I cannot imagine the bravery it takes to speak publicly about something so personal and traumatizing. These poor f*cking women should NEVER have had to go through this. Holy hell I’m enraged https://t.co/Mdj40qWTvh

— Nicole Baxter (@NicoleBaxter512) September 30, 2021

The 2025 NWSL Best XI presented by Amazon Prime is in, as the league honored the year’s top performers at the first-ever NWSL Awards ceremony in San Jose, California — home to NWSL Championship Weekend.

One storyline stole the spotlight: the overwhelming dominance of the Kansas City Current. The 2025 Shield-winners earned five First Team selections — the most in league history — reinforcing the Current’s status as an NWSL powerhouse despite their quarterfinal playoff exit.

“The season didn’t end the way that we wanted to, and we’re still very hungry for more next year,” Kansas City defender Kayla Sharples told JWS after landing on the 2025 NWSL Best XI. “But the thing is, our last result doesn’t define our whole season.”

The NWSL Awards — a nationally televised event complete with a blue carpet for VIPs — showcased the standout players who ruled the pitch in 2025. Below is a full breakdown of the NWSL Best XI First Team, diving deep into how each star claimed their spot at the top this season.

2025 NWSL Best XI First Team presented by Amazon Prime

Goalkeeper: Lorena (Kansas City Current)

Kansas City’s Brazilian goalkeeper acted as the backbone of the league’s best defensive unit. Lorena, who developed through Brazil’s youth and senior national team system, secured 14 clean sheets thanks to quick reactions, vertical command, and pinpoint ball distribution. Throughout 2025, she transformed from solid starter to NWSL Goalkeeper of the Year in addition to Best XI honors.

Defender: Izzy Rodriguez (Kansas City Current)

Former US youth international and Ohio State star Izzy Rodriguez has evolved into one of the NWSL’s premier two-way fullbacks. Her overlapping runs, precise crossing, and ability to defend in transition gave Kansas City unmatched width. The 26-year-old’s end-of-season honor solidifies her transformation from promising draft pick to elite defender.

“It’s so nice to celebrate your teammates, especially when you know how much work they put in the entire year,” Rodriguez said after the ceremony.

“It was so cool to have an event like this. It’s something that’s just elevating women’s sports all around and I hope we get to continue things like this and add on from here.”

Defender: Avery Patterson (Houston Dash)

In addition to 2025 NWSL Best XI honors, 23-year-old Dash defender Avery Patterson took home Houston’s team MVP award and a Defender of the Year nomination. The UNC alum registered three goals and two assists this season, leading the team defensively with 40 interceptions and 32 won tackles. She was also instrumental to the Dash’s second-half surge, helping the club to a tight 10th-place finish while making her presence known on the USWNT.

Defender: Kayla Sharples (Kansas City Current)

Persevering through both injuries and trades, 2019 draftee Kayla Sharples reemerged as an unshakeable center back for Kansas City. Her dominance in the air, calm under pressure, and organizational prowess allowed the Current to set a franchise-best defensive record this season. Sharples’s late-career breakout earned widespread praise — and a spot on the 2025 NWSL Best XI.

“It’s an incredible honor,” said Sharples. “This season has been very rewarding. And to see a lot of the players get recognition, it’s just a testament to this team, the coaching staff, all the time and work that’s been put in.”

Defender: Tara McKeown (Washington Spirit)

Washington Spirit’s 2025 Defender of the Year made headlines after seamlessly transitioning from standout college forward to top-flight pro center back and USWNT regular. McKeown’s background as an attacker enhanced her anticipation and footwork. That combined with her ability to shut down strikers while confidently building out of the back made her one of 2025's most important defenders.

“Honestly, I didn’t think I’d be here when I did switch to defender, so now that I have, I’m really grateful and having a lot of fun,” McKeown reflected. “I enjoy playing back there, which I didn’t think I would say when I first switched.”

Midfielder: Claire Hutton (Kansas City Current)

One of the youngest players in this year’s Best XI, 19-year-old Claire Hutton has surfaced as a foundational midfielder for the Current. A product of youth and senior US national teams, Hutton excelled at ball retention, tempo control, and breaking pressure. Her defensive engine and range fueled Kansas City’s possessive excellence, while mirroring the shift toward a younger, more technical midfield.

“I’ve learned that expectations can create disappointment, so that isn’t something I ever put out there,” Hutton told JWS. “The work speaks for itself. It’s consistency. Day in, day out, putting the work in and committing to the grind and the love of the game brings us out.”

Midfielder: Sam Coffey (Portland Thorns)

A cornerstone for both Portland and the USWNT, Sam Coffey remains one of the NWSL’s most consistent playmakers. A Penn State graduate, she joined the Thorns in 2022 and quickly became a midfield leader thanks to her ability to dictate matches. And with the team navigating roster turnover after an up-and-down season, Coffey’s reliability stood out more than ever in 2025.

Midfielder: Manaka Matsukubo (North Carolina Courage)

At just 21, Japanese phenom Manaka Matsukubo delivered one of the best midfield seasons in NWSL history. She recorded 11 goals and four assists while leading the midfield in total goal contributions. Merging footwork, vision, and creativity, she elevated North Carolina’s attack and earned recognition as one of women’s soccer’s fastest-rising stars.

“To be a part of the [NWSL] is a really big thing,” Matsukubo said. “I think I was able to demonstrate to my fellow Japanese, younger Japanese, that even if you’re small, you’re still able to demonstrate yourself.”

Forward: Esther González (Gotham FC)

The World Cup-winning Spanish striker saw yet another strong NWSL run this year. Known for her intelligent movement and sharp instincts, Esther provided consistency for a Gotham squad that battled availability issues all season. A contender for the 2025 Golden Boot award, her ability to finish half-chances and pressure defenses earned her a well-deserved place in the league’s top attacking trio.

Forward: Temwa Chawinga (Kansas City Current)

Malawi international Temwa Chawinga won her second straight NWSL MVP and Golden Boot awards this year, taking the NWSL Awards by storm and cementing herself as one the world’s best forwards. Her blistering speed, clinical finishes, and ability to break open games propelled Kansas City’s historic season. Chawinga’s journey from Africa to Europe to NWSL superstardom is one of the league’s defining success stories.

“We fight hard, we push,” said Chawinga, describing her fellow Best XI players. “The way we play the game, we put [in] effort and heart.”

Forward: Olivia Moultrie (Portland Thorns)

At 20, Olivia Moultrie has blossomed from teen prodigy to NWSL and USWNT mainstay. Her creativity, decision-making, and defensive strength turned her into a central figure in Portland’s attack. For both club and country, 2025 confirmed Moultrie as one of US soccer’s most exciting young stars.

How the Kansas City Current crushed the NWSL Awards

Kansas City’s five selections reflect a roster that blended international talent, US youth products, and tactical cohesion. The Current set franchise and league records in wins, scoring, and defense, with this year’s Best XI mirroring that all-around excellence. Their success also signals the broader trend of deep investment in analytics, recruiting, and development.

What the 2025 NWSL Best XI says about the league’s future

This year’s Best XI highlights the NWSL’s evolution into a global, youth-driven league. International stars Chawinga, Matsukubo, and Esther share the stage with homegrown talents Hutton and Moultrie. Veteran leaders Coffey and Sharples show that experience matters, while positional conversions like McKeown’s demonstrate modern coaching innovations.

As the NWSL makes strides in expansion, broadcast deals, and international influence, the 2025 NWSL Best XI serves as a snapshot of a transformative league — competitive, diverse, and teeming with world-class talent.

“This event and the ceremony was truly incredible,” added Hutton. “I’m grateful for the league, for women’s sports, giving us this platform to appreciate where we are, and be where our feet are. I love it.”

Article written in partnership with Amazon Prime.

Just before the final event of the 2025 Tour, the LPGA raised the stakes for pro women's golf, announcing this week that the governing body is expanding both player paydays and live broadcast coverage for the 2026 season.

For the first time in the sport's history, the LPGA's upcoming 76th Tour will see every round of every tournament broadcast live in the US.

The Tour will also add 50% more camera equipment —  including slow-motion and drone cameras — than used in this year's tournaments, with most 2026 LPGA action airing live on the Golf Channel or CNBC.

"For us to finally get our shot at having live TV and for people investing in our product out here has been amazing," US star and world No. 2 Nelly Korda said on Wednesday. "I can't wait to see where it's going to go."

Even more, next season's total prize money will reach $132 million across the Tour's 33 tournaments, a record-high sum after five major events raised their purses by a cumulative $3 million.

There will also be more financial commitment across the board, with 12 events on the 2026 LPGA Tour featuring elevated purses and more than 15 guaranteeing a minimum payout for all players — even those who miss the cut.

"I'm incredibly proud of what we've built, and even more excited about where we're headed," said LPGA commissioner Craig Kessler. "Coming off our 75th anniversary season, we wanted a calendar that gives our athletes great stages, better flow, and even more opportunity — and I think 2026 delivers that."

LPGA season wraps with this week's 2025 CME Group Tour Championship

Though the LPGA is already planning for its 2026 campaign, the final event of the 2025 Tour kicked off on Thursday, as this year's top 60 points-getters teed off in the CME Group Tour Championship.

Featuring 28 of the 29 event champions this year as well as every world Top 25 player, the 2025 Tour's grand finale will see the sport's best battling for the lion's share of the $11 million purse in Naples, Florida.

Leading the field is the aforementioned US standout Korda as well as 2024 CME Group Tour champion and world No. 1 Jeeno Thitikul and New Zealand's two-time winner No. 5 Lydia Ko.

An impressive eight LPGA rookies also made the cut to enter the elite end-of-season tournament, including Japan's No. 3 Miyu Yamashita and England's No. 10 Lottie Woad.

How to watch the 2025 CME Group Tour Championship

The 2025 LPGA Tour will finish with Sunday's final round at the CME Group Tour Championship.

While ESPN+ will stream featured groups throughout the four-day tournament, the first three rounds will air live on the Golf Channel before Sunday's finale shifts to NBC and Peacock.

Orlando Pride VP of soccer operations and sporting director Haley Carter is stepping down, departing the 2024 NWSL champions to pursue other opportunities, the club announced on Tuesday.

Carter joined the 2024 Shield-winners in January 2023, ushering in arguably the most successful era for the Orlando club thus far by bringing in top talents like striker Barbra Banda, defender Emily Sams, and former Liga MX star Lizbeth Ovalle to help the Pride climb the NWSL standings.

"We'd like to extend our gratitude to Haley for her contributions to the Pride over the past three years," Orlando owner Mark Wilf said in a statement. "Haley played a key leadership role with our club, positioning the Pride among the NWSL's and world's elite clubs."

"I'm beyond thankful to Mark Wilf and the entire ownership group for giving me the opportunity to be part of this club and for their unwavering support throughout my time here," said Carter.

Carter will continue working with the Pride during its transition period as the club searches for its new sporting director.

"We have begun a diligent and methodical search for a new soccer leader who will have the opportunity to work with a championship-caliber roster and coaching staff," said Wilf, before promising that the Pride will "continue its trajectory of success."

Reigning PWHL champions Minnesota will be back on the ice on Friday, when the Frost opens the league's 2025/26 season — and their own three-peat title quest — against the Toronto Sceptres in St. Paul.

"Right now, we're not worried about championships," Frost head coach Ken Klee said prior to this week's puck drop. "We're worried about the process, how we're going to prepare every day, how we work, how we're going to get better. To me, that's how you win."

The back-to-back Walter Cup winners have continuity on their side after the Frost protected captain Kendall Coyne Schofield and alternate Lee Stecklein from the offseason expansion draft benefitting the league's two newest teams.

Early points will also be key this season, as the PWHL preps for an extended pause starting in late January to allow international talent to compete in February's 2026 Winter Olympics.

As for Toronto, the Sceptres are seeking revenge in Friday's opener, starting their season against the team that knocked them out of the 2024/25 PWHL Playoffs.

"We're wanting to win the Walter Cup," said Toronto GM Gina Kingsbury. "I think every year that has to be the goal. We're going to play hard for our fans and to represent the city of Toronto."

How to watch the first game of the 2025/26 PWHL season

The puck drops on the 2025/26 PWHL season when the Toronto Sceptres visit the Minnesota Frost at 7 PM ET on Friday, airing live on FDSN and YouTube.