In 2025 the NWSL’s Secondary Window is almost 90% longer than previous years. Twenty-nine days into the 55 day long window covers the same window length as the 2023 and 2024 secondary windows. Here’s a dive into how the first 29 days compare to previous year’s windows. 

In terms of signings and trades, the 2025 window thus far is pretty close in comparison to 2023 with only two less new signings and one more trade (although in both years none of the trades have included player movement). 

One potential factor in the big difference between the 2024 and 2025 windows is the fact that the new CBA effectively ended the trade windows. This isn’t the only factor as even without narrow windows for trades there were only three trades between the start of the season and the secondary window opening. Another potential component could be the new CBA’s requirement of player approval on trades. The new CBA wasn’t announced until August 22nd in 2024 (towards the end of the window), but there is no way to really quantify if this could be impacting things from publicly known information. 


A comparison of 2024 and 2025 secondary windows including trades/signings/loans/joining or leaving active roster

Deep diving a bit into 2024 and 2025, looking at both trades and signings the 2024 window had over twice the number of players joining new teams, and less players leaving the active rosters — whether by trade, SEI, or loans. In 2025 the only teams to not have any incoming players are Orlando, Portland, and Louisville. 

In a stark contrast to their 2024 secondary window, Angel City has the highest number of players joining the active roster at five — ACFC’s incoming account for over 25% of the league total additions to active rosters. 

With an additional 26 days left in the 2025 secondary window, teams outside of the top four really need to focus on finding those special pieces which can help elevate their clubs in the second half of the season.