Overview

The NWSL commissioner, Jessica Berman, characterized the choice to halt the match between the Seattle Reign and Racing Louisville as a “no-brainer” after Savannah DeMelo encountered a medical emergency on the field. This incident underscores a shift in how the league handles medical situations during games.

Background

This season has already seen two NWSL games interrupted by player medical emergencies. The match on Sunday was eventually rescheduled, reflecting the league’s emphasis on player safety.

DeMelo collapsed near the end of the first half and, as per the latest updates, is currently in stable condition while tests are conducted to assess the exact cause of her collapse.

Berman stated, “In any game, our operations and medical team are overseeing and on standby for any communications that are required…I received a call about Savannah’s medical emergency and made the decision to abandon the game immediately.”

The decision contrasts with a previous incident in May when the match involving Savy King did continue, which attracted criticism and led to a review of the league’s policies regarding player safety.

Moving Forward

In light of recent events, Berman emphasized the league’s resilience and preparedness for medical emergencies. The NWSL is actively working towards a more adaptable expansion plan that allows for flexibility in bringing new teams into the league, as they aim to continue their growth in a structured yet accommodating manner.