Player registration has closed and teams are putting the final touches on their draft boards before the 2023 NWSL Draft presented by Ally begins at 6:00 PM ET on Thursday, January 12 from the Philadelphia Convention Center. There’s already been major news, with Angel City acquiring the first overall pick from Gotham, before Gotham made a move of their own to get the second overall pick from Orlando. The future is bright with a talented and deep class, and we take a stab at how things will shake out in Thursday’s night’s in-person Draft.
Coverage of the NWSL Draft presented by Ally will begin on CBS Sports Network, [Paramount+](https://www.paramountplus.com/shows/national-womens-soccer-league/) and [CBS Sports HQ](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QtRNZvZwOVs) , the free 24/7 streaming sports news network, from 6 to 7 p.m. ET. The draft livestream will continue on [Paramount+](https://www.paramountplus.com/shows/national-womens-soccer-league/) and [CBS Sports HQ](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QtRNZvZwOVs) from 7 to 11 p.m. ET. Fans tuning in outside the U.S. can watch the entirety of the draft on [NWSLSoccer.com](https://www.nwslsoccer.com/nwsldraft-international) and the [NWSL’s YouTube channel](https://www.youtube.com/nwsl) .
**1 LA Alyssa Thompson F**
Angel City made some major trades to acquire the #1 overall pick, and it’s no secret that the second-year club plans to use that pick on the high school senior who earned her first senior cap with the USWNT last fall.
**2 NJY Michelle Cooper F Duke**
The newest MAC Hermann Trophy winner decided to turn pro after just two seasons of college soccer. She’d be a great addition to the new-look Gotham FC roster.
**3 ORL Emily Madril D Florida State**
The two-time NCAA champion could stay in Florida if the Pride opt for bolstering their defense with their first pick. Madril already has a little pro experience under her belt, forgoing her remaining NCAA eligibility last fall, signing a contract with NWSL and spending time playing in Sweden.
**4 LOU Messiah Bright F TCU**
Racing needs more goals after recording just 23 in 22 regular-season games in 2022. Bright could complement the growing young talent pool in Louisville.
**5 POR Alexa Spaanstra MF/F Virginia**
New head coach Mike Norris will need versatile, attack-minded players who can step up when the Thorns’ multiple World Cup players are gone next summer, and who also have the patience to wait for those moments while learning from the current NWSL champions. Spaanstra could provide both goals and assists.
**6 NC Penelope Hocking MF/F Penn State**
With Debinha’s departure, the Courage need attacking players, and players who can contribute immediately — like Hocking, who racked up more than 60 goals and 30 assists during her time at Penn State and USC.
**7 CHI Jylissa Harris D/MF South Carolina**
The versatile defensive back and midfielder logged more than 10,000 minutes for the Gamecocks. She would be a great addition to a Red Stars roster needing midfield and defensive replacements, following the departures of Danielle Colaprico, Vanessa DiBernardo and Zoe Morse.
**8 HOU Summer Yates MF/F Washington**
The Dash need more midfielders, with a few on their roster still recovering from injuries. Yates could be a rookie starter under new head coach Sam Laity, who likely scouted Yates while he was assistant coach for the Reign.
**9 NC Jenna Nighswonger F Florida State**
The 2021 NCAA champion has been a regular call-up for the US youth national teams and led the ACC in assists last fall. She could be a day-one starter for the Courage as they redefine their roster.
**10 KCC Jordan Brewster D West Virginia**
With the departure of Kristen Edmonds, the NWSL finalist would be well served to grab Brewster to add defensive depth. She could also provide great service on set pieces.
**11 NC Ally Schlegel MF/F Penn State**
The versatile attacker could join her teammate Hocking at the Courage. The 2022 Challenge Cup winners missed the playoffs for the first time last fall — could Schlegel and other rookies turn things around?
**12 POR Nicole Douglas F Arizona State**
The Thorns have plenty of international slots to spare these days, so English international Douglas would be a welcome addition. She led all of the NCAA in scoring in fall 2021.

Match Highlights

Match Highlights