New NWSL franchise acquire three WSL forwards in expansion draft | OneFootball

Racing Louisville FC have selected two headline USWNT stars in their 14-player expansion draft.

Tobin Heath and Christen Press, both currently at Manchester United in the WSL, had their playing rights obtained by the new NWSL club on Thursday evening.

Racing Lousville will join the NWSL in 2021 as part of an expansion.

When franchises are added to the league, existing clubs are allowed to protect up to 11 of their players (including just two designated USWNT players), with the new franchise then free to select ‘unprotected’ players to make up their squad.

Louisville could only select either one USWNT player or two non-USWNT players from any given existing club.

The new franchise opted to obtain the playing rights of Heath from the Portland Thorns and Christen Press from the Utah Royals.

They also acquired the playing rights of Caitln Foord (Orlando Pride), who is currently starring for Arsenal in the WSL, and her international and Pride team-mate Alanna Kennedy (currently on loan at Tottenham).