The NWSL Players’ Association is in the "early stages of development," and Exec Dir Yael Averbuch is "still working to reinforce the organization’s broad messages among its membership," according to Megan Linehan of THE ATHLETIC. Averbuch recently traveled to every NWSL market to "meet with the teams in person, and her objective was simple: to make sure every player knew the intent and capabilities" of the union. Opening up communication is "still the top priority, both internally and externally." Averbuch: "It’s really important that we have a chain of communication -- should there be questions or concerns, that they get directly to the league, we get them addressed." Linehan wrote the lack of "formal communication around the NWSL has been a relative weak spot, not only between the league office and players but also, at times, between players and their clubs." Averbuch is "reluctant to identify specific areas" that the union wants to address, preferring to focus "on the processes." While the NWSLPA can "legally represent the players in CBA negotiations, there are still no immediate plans to push that aggressively against the league" (THEATHLETIC.com, 4/30).
