2024 NWSL Draft: Top Prospects, How to Watch, Draft Order, Live Streaming, Predictions & More

The calendar may have flipped to a new year but in the world of women’s soccer, the anticipation is already brewing for the 2024 NWSL Draft. This year, however, the fanfare has peaked, as two brand-new teams, the Utah Royals and Bay FC, joined the fray to inject energy into the league. The stakes are higher than ever with 56 picks on the line, making it the largest draft in the NWSL’s history.

In 2023, Alyssa Thompson etched her name into the NWSL Draft history books, as she became the youngest-ever No.1 overall pick. As we gear up for the 2024 edition, the burning question is: Who will follow in Thompson’s footsteps and make history this time? Let’s uncover all you need to know about the upcoming 2024 NWSL Draft.

NWSL Draft 2024: When and Where?

The 2024 NWSL Draft is slated for Friday, January 12th, 2024. The event will be held at the Anaheim Convention Center in California, amidst the fervor of the United Soccer Coaches Convention. The action is scheduled to kick off sharply at 8 PM ET.

How to Watch the NWSL Draft 2024?

For fans eager to witness the drama unfold, the draft will be broadcast live on ION, with broadcast scheduled from 8 PM to 10 PM ET. Not near a TV? No scare, as all rounds of the draft, will be available via live streaming on ION Plus.

The league often looks out for its global audience as well, there is no confirmed information on how fans outside of the US can watch. So, keep an eye out for potential international streaming options.

Top Prospects under the spotlight

As the countdown begins all eyes shift towards the pool of talent. The deadline for players to declare for the draft is set for Monday, Jan. 8 by 11:59 p.m. ET. Among the standouts is the dynamic attacking midfielder, Maya Doms. A decorated player with individual accolades, Doms is poised to make waves in the professional arena.

Another name to watch is Croix Bethune, the SEC Tournament MVP. Coached by Amy Rodriguez, the Utah Royals boss, Bethune adds an intriguing layer to the dynamics of the NWSL Draft. Her links with Rodriguez remain under the spotlight, considering the Royals hold the coveted No.1 pick.

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Maycee Bell, a promising center-back, and forward Reilyn Turner, are also on the radar. The U.S. Soccer’s 2023 Young Female Player of the Year nominee, Ally Sentnor, is also speculated to be one of the top picks. The international stars cannot be overlooked as well, with talents like Kiki Van Zanten, Alexia Estrada, and Zoe Burns bringing their diverse skills to the NWSL stage.

2024 NWSL Draft Order for the First Round

Before the curtain rises, understanding the draft order is crucial. To cap it off, a glance at the first-round draft order sees Utah Royals FC and Bay FC lead the charge. Check out the draft order for all the rounds below:

With the stage set and the players ready to make their mark, the 2024 NWSL Draft promises a night of excitement. It’ll be interesting to see who’ll plump Alyssa Thompson this time to become the women’s soccer’s hottest prospect. All eyes will be on new entries, Utah Royals and Bay FC, during the draft pick.

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