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NWSL Launches Project ACL to Study Injury Causes

8/19/2026

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Summary

Story summary

NWSL, NWSLPA and FIFPRO launched Project ACL to study ACL injury causes and workload.
Taylor Vincent reported that 18 NWSL players have season-ending knee injuries in 2026.
Portland Thorns FC announced forward Olivia Moultrie will miss the season after an ACL injury.
Kang Women’s Institute partnered with the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill (UNC) to study menstrual cycle effects on performance, injuries and recovery.

History

Historical Context

After the NCAA created a catastrophic-injury insurance plan in 1985 to curb rising workers-compensation claims, leagues have repeatedly revised rules based on injury research—e.g., 25 % of 2005 claim payouts involved cheerleading. Continuing that legacy, the professional NWSL and its players’ union are developing a comprehensive ACL-injury study for the 2026 season.

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Story summary

NWSL, NWSLPA and FIFPRO launched Project ACL to study ACL injury causes and workload.
Taylor Vincent reported that 18 NWSL players have season-ending knee injuries in 2026.
Portland Thorns FC announced forward Olivia Moultrie will miss the season after an ACL injury.
Kang Women’s Institute partnered with the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill (UNC) to study menstrual cycle effects on performance, injuries and recovery.

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