2021 NWSL Draft to take place on Jan. 13

The National Women’s Soccer League announced Tuesday morning that the 2021 NWSL Draft — formerly known as the NWSL College Draft — will take place on Wednesday, Jan. 13 at 7 p.m. ET (4 p.m. PT).

The league also released the current draft order, determined by the reverse order of the standings after the preliminary stage at the 2020 NWSL Challenge Cup. Racing Louisville FC has the first pick in each of the four rounds. Portland Thorns FC has the second pick in Rounds 2-4.

The NWSL also announced that due to the mystery surrounding the NCAA spring season in 2021, they have requested a waiver from the NCAA that would allow players who register for the draft to decide if they will report to their NWSL club before or after the spring season by Jan. 22, 2021.

If denied, college athletes will have to choose between participating in the 2021 NWSL Draft and forfeiting their remaining eligibility or withdrawing from the draft and playing their 2021 collegiate season. They would not be able to join an NWSL Club in 2021 if that is the case.

We will update with more details as they come.