USWNT star Alex Morgan says 'NWSL expansion draft shouldn't exist' as San Diego Wave forward opens up on 'torture' of watching event

The NWSL expansion draft process forces teams to either make trades and deals with expansion teams for 'safety' from the process, or make a protected player list, while also leaving multiple players 'unprotected' and available for selection during the draft. The Wave had two players poached during the draft in Rachel Hill and Sierra Enge.

In a goodbye message to Wave supporters, Hill posted and said: “Did not think I’d be sitting here writing this after only 1 season. I’ve loved every second I had in San Diego and I’m sad it’s come to an end like this.”

The USWNT star, in response, quoted her post in her Instagram story saying: “The NWSL expansion draft should not exist. Period,” the Wave and U.S. national team striker said. “If you reach free agency and choose the club and city you want to play for, you deserve the [opportunity] to see that through. It was torture watching the expansion draft, really.”

Instagram

The NWSL expansion draft is becoming increasingly unpopular among players, coaches and fans. It's caused unrest in locker rooms due to protected and unprotected lists, and had forced teams to trade away both cash, players and other assets for protection during it. Morgan is just one of many that have spoken out, including North Carolina Courage boss Sean Nahas.

X (@NahasSean)

The 2024 campaign is on the horizon, and both Bay FC and Utah Royals are set to begin their historic first season in the league. A schedule announcement is forthcoming, while teams and players are looking into free agency options while they prepare for the new year.