NWSL

An investigation commissioned by the National Women's Soccer League and its players union found “widespread misconduct" directed at players dating back to the beginnings nearly a decade ago of the country's top women's professional league.

“Abuse in the NWSL is rooted in a deeper culture in women’s soccer, beginning in youth leagues, that normalizes verbally abusive coaching and blurs boundaries between coaches and players,” wrote former acting U.S. Attorney General Sally Q. Yates.

Compared to 2019, the Courage are averaging 1,451 fewer fans per home game this regular season, a decrease of more than 24%. Some fans point to the re-signing of Jaelene Daniels — and the club's response — as the reason for the dip in attendance.

Berman replaces Lisa Baird, who resigned last October after some of the league's most prominent coaches faced allegations of sexual harassment and coercion.

The CBA runs through the 2026 season. Among the provisions is a minimum salary of $35,000, which is a nearly 60% increase, with 4% yearly raises. All players also will see eight weeks paid parental leave, retirement fund contributions, life and health insurance and housing.

Nahas replaced Paul Riley, who was fired in September after two former players accused him of sexual harassment and coercion. Riley denied the allegations.

National Women’s Soccer League interim CEO Marla Messing has announced an agreement with the players' association to address demands made in the wake of abuse and harassment scandals that have shaken the league.

Messing was president and CEO of the 1999 Women’s World Cup and helped land the 2028 Los Angeles Olympic bid. Messing will oversee operations of the league and work with the board of governors.

After nearly a week of dealing with the fallout from accusations of sexual harassment and mistreatment leveled against a prominent coach, the players of the National Women’s Soccer League have returned to the field in hopes of reclaiming their sport.

The owner of the North Carolina Courage said Wednesday the organization was not aware of allegations of sexual harassment against former Head Coach Paul Riley until the report that led to his firing and apologized for the franchise's “failure” to create an environment where players felt safe in coming forward.