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Analysis

The NWSL is at a crossroads with its trading culture

Lack of communication and player autonomy continues to cause headaches

Photo Copyright Denny Medley for USA TODAY Sports

A player is traded in the National Women’s Soccer League. We hold our breath and wait for club statements, social media posts and inside information.

Did the player want the move? When did they learn they were being traded? How was it communicated? What are they leaving behind? Should there be more no-trade clauses? Are the players overreacting? Does this happen in other sports?

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These are just some of the many questions that flare up in the post-trade news cycle of the NWSL. 

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Two weeks ago, we were there again when Kansas City Current general manager Camille Ashton sent Cece Kizer to the Houston Dash in exchange for Nichelle Prince.
 
The day the trade became official, Kizer took to social media to express her feelings. “This isn’t something I asked for or expected. No conversation this could happen. Nothing … It hurts this happened after I expressed my desire to be apart of more KC history,” she said on Instagram. 

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