Five years on from a reckoning & how the NWSL players saved the league
Summary
This episode of Full Time examines the NWSL’s transformation five years after the 2021 sexual abuse scandal that nearly shut down the league. Hosts Julian Sokovic and Meg Linehan discuss the systemic failures exposed by that crisis and the pivotal role players played in saving the league through collective action. Former USWNT star Megan Klingenberg joins to reflect on her experience, the power of the first collective bargaining agreement, and how player agency has fundamentally reshaped the sport’s culture and growth.
Topics discussed
Sponsor: Charles Schwab
Sponsor: Toast
Sponsor: Women's Collective Action
Introduction: NWSSL's darkest hour and today's guests
Reflecting on the 2021 reporting and the 'Wild West' era
The return to play: October 6th moment of silence
The immediate aftermath: CBA negotiations and public reaction
The 2022 joint investigation and systemic issues
The decision to save the league: 'Burn it down' vs. reform
Sponsors: Perk and Blissy
Framing the narrative: Balancing abuse stories with positivity
Megan Klingenberg's career path and the Alex Morgan trade
Player agency and the benefits of the Collective Bargaining Agreement
The shift in player power and the need for safety systems
The decision to strike: Players taking the driver's seat
Growth, legacy, and the impact on the USWNT
Sponsors: ShipStation and Kohler
Looking ahead: The sliding door moment and league survival
Current safety protocols and trust in the system
The final mission: League economics and player compensation
Outro and Sponsors: Perk and Chicago Booth
Listen ad-free on Castria