NWSL seeks improved transparency regarding player availability and injuries
Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Sep 15, 2026, 5:16 PM
Last updated Sep 15, 2026
The NWSL faces scrutiny over its player availability reporting after recent events. Rebeca Bernal was marked as unavailable for the Washington Spirit's match against Bay FC, shortly before news surfaced of her transfer to Manchester United. This raises concerns about the ambiguity of 'excused absences' in the availability report. Similar situations, including Jameese Joseph's trade to the Utah Royals and Gianna Paul's transfer to the North Carolina Courage after being excused from matches, highlight the need for clearer communication. Additionally, Catarina Macario's recent season-ending injury illustrates issues with how injury details are disclosed, particularly following her signing with San Diego Wave under a lucrative contract. Stakeholders are calling for the NWSL to adopt more transparent practices in the disclosure of player statuses.
- •Bernal's absence was later linked to her transfer to Manchester United.
- •Organizational reporting of player statuses has been criticized for lack of transparency.
- •Macario's season-ending injury announcement raised concerns about communication processes.
- •Clubs currently have some discretion over releasing player medical information.
- •The NWSL aims to improve clarity in player availability and injury reporting.
- 5:16 PMYahoo Sports — NWSL player availability cannot be down to guesswork and ‘transparency is key’
"Two weeks ago, Mexico defensive midfielder Rebeca Bernal was unavailable for the Washington Spirit’s home match against Bay FC due to an “excused absence”. This was according to the NWSL availability report, a weekly list of players ruled out of competition for various reasons. It is sent 24 hours before kickoff of each match day. About 90 minutes after the final whistle of the Spirit’s 1-0 victory, news broke that Bernal was nearing a move to Manchester United in the Women’s Super League. The S
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