The NWSL suspended training throughout the league through Sunday, March 15, due to concerns surrounding the spread of the coronavirus. The two-day pause on training gives the league time to review training protocols and determine how workouts can be conducted safely.
The NWSL had already canceled all preseason matches on Thursday following the suspension of most professional sports leagues in America, including MLS and the USL. NWSL has not announced any changes to the scheduled dates of its season openers, with teams set to kick off the season on April 18.
“Our priority continues to be the safety and well-being of our players, coaches, staff and fans,” NWSL commissioner Lisa Baird said in a statement on Thursday. “We are reviewing all contingency plans related to our regular season schedule and are monitoring developing events and their potential impact. We are deeply appreciative of our fans and partners for their continued support of our league and all our world-class players.”
The training break mirrors the action taken by MLS, which put a moratorium on training through Sunday so that the league and clubs could determine how to operate workouts safely.
#NWSL Commissioner @lisainog statement regarding the 2020 season: pic.twitter.com/eWqW3KAgnf
— National Women’s Soccer League (@NWSL) March 12, 2020