Listen to us, NWSL (w/ Douglas Reyes-Ceron)

Diaspora United

We had to get into it y'all. The NWSL refuses to get it, so we decided to help in our own special way.
First, Courtney & André start the episode with some quick news and notes, then Courtney runs through the latest NWSL results, including a breakdown of Gotham FC's shiny new 3-5-2 formation (also #FREECUDJOE). Then we welcome Douglas Reyes-Ceron, co-founder of Rose Room Collective, an independent supporter group for the Washington Spirit and D.C. United by, and for, people of color. We delve into Richie Burke's reassigning/firing/suspension in the wake of more revelations of verbal abuse, the coverup attempted by prominent members of the front office, and what must happen if the club is serious about shifting the culture away from what it has become.
Then we broaden the scope and discuss the NWSL as a whole. With CBA negotiations underway, we talk about the league's flawed approach, massive blind spots, and how this is a crossroads moment for the league – and its ultimate survival. We also identify steps the league can immediately take to improve, such as protecting players through actual vetting and accountability measures, paying living wages, identifying their true fanbase by engaging with and listening to supporters' groups, understanding that the league doesn't have a monopoly on women's soccer and isn't entitled to the labor of its players, and following the blueprint the WNBA and WNBPA have already created.
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