c/nwsl · by CombatWombat@feddit.online · 5d

Why NWSL teams are signing various WAFCON standout stars

https://www.theixsports.com/features/why-nwsl-teams-are-signing-various-wafcon-standout-stars/

Three stars from WAFCON-winning Cameroon will join the NWSL this fall. One player has already made her NWSL debut for the Washington Spirit.

2 points · 2 comments · view on lemmy.world

2 Comments

CombatWombat@feddit.online · 2 pts · 5d (1 reply)

I think the better question is “why have we waited so long to sign prominent stars from Africa,” and the answer to that is similar to “why doesn’t this year’s WAFCON count for the Ballon d’Or” and proceeds through an undue devaluation of Africa

I think it’s become apparent in the past few years that we are living in a global market,” Dell told reporters on June 23. “It’s not just within the NWSL, and I think that speaks to the growth of the league. This league is the best league in the world. As we compete for the top talent, that’s part of it.”

It’s clear at this point that various NWSL teams are prioritizing signing African superstar soccer players based on some of the latest additions.

wjs018@feddit.online · 1 pts · 5d

In terms of recruitment, I think it also takes time/investment to build up the scouting infrastructure in new regions. Identifying young talent in regions far from a club's home usually requires local infrastructure and eyeballs to do things like watch games, record video, interview, etc. That is an investment that many organizations aren't going to take on until there are a few promising breakout stars that demonstrate the potential return that can be had.