The 2023 NWSL Draft is here.
From when and how to watch to which players could make waves, Just Women’s Sports breaks down everything you need to know.
The NWSL draft is set for 6 p.m. ET on Thursday, Jan. 12. The event will be held during the United Soccer Coaches Convention at the Pennsylvania Convention Center in Philadelphia.
Fans can watch the draft on CBS Sports Network from 6-7 p.m., then on Paramount+ and CBS Sports HQ from 7-11 p.m. ET.
The draft includes four rounds of 12 picks each, with a total of 48 players selected.
After a blockbuster trade, Angel City FC now holds the first overall pick (and intends to select 18-year-old phenom Alyssa Thompson), followed by Gotham FC. The North Carolina Courage have three first-round picks.
The Portland Thorns have the last pick of each round after winning their third NWSL championship to cap the 2022 season.
Over 250 players have registered for the draft, with these prospects standing out as first-round talents. The NWSL has a full list available.
Alyssa Thompson
The presumptive No. 1 pick will turn pro after originally committing to play college soccer at Stanford. Thompson earned her first cap with the U.S. senior national team in October after playing for the U-20s at the World Cup in August as the only high schooler on the roster.
Messiah Bright, TCU forward
Bright scored 49 career goals in five years with the Horned Frogs, including 10 in her final season. She also played for the U.S. U-23 women’s youth national team in summer 2022.
Michelle Cooper, Duke sophomore
The USWNT U-20 captain finished the 2022 college season with 19 goals and 11 assists for the Blue Devils.
Izzy D’Aquila, Santa Clara forward
D’Aquila finished second in scoring in the NCAA with 19 goals in 2022 and posted 50 career goals in 78 games across three seasons for the Broncos.
Emily Madril, BK Häcken FF midfielder
Madril starred for Florida State during its 2021 title run, then signed a contract with the NWSL to maintain her draft eligibility while she played for Swedish club BK Häcken FF. She also played for the U.S. U-23 women’s youth national team in the summer of 2022.
Reyna Reyes, Alabama defender
Reyes scored a career-high eight goals in 2022. She also led the Crimson Tide defense to 12 shutouts in 2022 en route to the SEC defender of the year award.
Alexa Spaanstra, Virginia forward
Spaanstra made a name for herself as a pass-first player but contributed eight goals and five assists for the Cavaliers in 2022. She also played for the U.S. U-23 women’s youth national team in the summer of 2022.
First round
Second round
Third round
Fourth round