2024 NWSL Draft Registration Opens: Complete Guide for Players

The National Women’s Soccer League has officially announced that the 2024 NWSL Draft, presented by Ally, will take place Friday, January 12, at 8 p.m. ET during the United Soccer Coaches Convention at the Anaheim Convention Center in Anaheim, California. Player registration is now open for eligible candidates seeking to enter the professional women’s soccer league.

Draft Overview and Broadcast Information

The draft will air live on ION Television from 8 to 10 p.m. ET, with comprehensive streaming coverage available on ION Plus continuing until the draft’s conclusion. Players interested in declaring for the draft can access the online registration form here.

Viewers can locate ION Television in their area by visiting https://iontelevision.com/find-us.

Player Eligibility Requirements

To be eligible for the 2024 NWSL Draft, presented by Ally, players must meet all of the following criteria:

Citizenship and Residency Requirements

• Be a citizen or permanent resident of the United States; OR
• Be a foreign national who is currently enrolled or was enrolled at a U.S. college/university during the 2023-24 academic year

Educational and Age Requirements

• Be an individual who has exhausted, lost, or renounced their remaining collegiate eligibility during the 2023 calendar year, including high school graduates choosing to forego college eligibility
• Be at least 18 years old on or before December 31, 2023

Professional Status Requirements

• Not be under a current professional contract
• Have never previously signed a contract to play soccer professionally

Critical Registration Deadline

All players must register for the 2024 NWSL Draft by 11:59 p.m. ET on Monday, January 8, 2024.

Post-Draft Opportunities

Players who register for the draft but are not selected will automatically become discovery eligible on the day following the 2024 NWSL Draft, providing additional pathways into professional women’s soccer.

Draft Order and Rules

The league has released the current draft order, which will determine the selection sequence for all participating teams. For comprehensive information regarding draft procedures, the full list of draft rules and procedures is available here.

Strategic Importance for NWSL Growth

The 2024 NWSL Draft represents a crucial talent acquisition opportunity for all league clubs as they prepare for the upcoming season. With the league’s continued expansion and growing global profile, this draft class will play a vital role in maintaining the competitive balance and quality that has made the NWSL one of the world’s premier women’s soccer leagues.

Looking Ahead

Additional details regarding the 2024 NWSL Draft, presented by Ally, will be announced in the coming weeks. Prospective players are encouraged to complete their registration promptly to ensure eligibility for this significant career opportunity.

The draft serves as the primary pathway for collegiate and amateur players to enter professional women’s soccer in the United States, making it one of the most important dates on the NWSL calendar.