The NWSL has faced quite a few abuse and sexual misconduct allegations since its inception, which reached a breaking point in 2022 after former U.S. Deputy Attorney General Sally Yates published a report stating the league “failed to protect its players.”

The new collective bargaining agreement between the NWSL and NWSL Players Association includes more reforms, such as training programs for staffers. But an anonymous survey conducted by ESPN reveals all 14 NWSL general managers believe the culture changes have skewed too far to the side of the players.

“There’s a fear amongst staff about what you can say, what you can’t say, what you have to ask players’ permission for, what you don’t, if you’re going to get in trouble for this,” one GM told ESPN. “And that means, to me, it’s gone too far.”

General managers said there is concern among staffers about holding private meetings, even if it is to discuss soccer-related matters. The league is acknowledging the concerns of team front offices and aiming to provide resources to help define how to differentiate between appropriate and inappropriate behavior.

NWSLPA chief Meghann Burke told ESPN there is no evidence players have gained too much power amid the clear cultural changes.