NWSL Game Should Have Stopped After Savy King Collapse

Source: ESPN

NWSL Acknowledges Need for Change After Serious Incident

On May 16, 2025, the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) made a significant announcement regarding player safety protocols following the alarming collapse of Savy King during a match. The league recognized that the game should have been halted immediately when King collapsed on the field on May 9 during a match between Angel City FC and the Utah Royals. This incident has sparked serious discussions within the league about how to handle life-threatening medical emergencies in the future.

Details of the Incident

Savy King, only 20 years old and the No. 2 pick in the 2024 NWSL draft, collapsed with approximately 15 minutes left in the game. Despite the severity of the situation, the match continued after a 10-minute delay for medical attention. Following her collapse, King was rushed to a hospital in Los Angeles, where it was discovered that she had a heart abnormality that required surgery.

The NWSL has since stated that it will prioritize health and safety in future games, asserting, “Having reviewed our protocols and how they were implemented, and in listening to feedback from our stakeholders, the Angel City vs Utah game last Friday night should not have continued.”

Players and Coaches React

The players from both teams were understandably shaken by the incident. Post-match, they gathered to lock arms and pray for King in the center of the field. Utah Royals head coach Jimmy Coenraets expressed doubt about the decision to continue playing, saying, “You’re emotionally — not only them, but also our players, were just scared, and I think that’s not the right position or not the right situation to be in.”

Players were vocal on social media, as Trinity Rodman of the Washington Spirit wrote, “In no world should that game have continued,” emphasizing the need for better protocols in such critical situations.

League’s Commitment to Change

Responding to the incident, the NWSL Players Association welcomed the league’s new commitment. They stated that the acknowledgment of the mistake and the promise to adopt new protocols is a positive step forward. “Player safety is not a slogan. It is a practice. We are grateful that NWSL has listened,” the association commented.

Following her surgery, Angel City reported that Savy King is now “stable” and recovering well, ensuring that her prognosis is excellent after the surgery. The club requested that everyone respect her privacy during this time.

What’s Next for the NWSL

The incident has prompted an urgent reevaluation of the NWSL’s medical emergency protocols, ensuring that the health and well-being of players is prioritized above all else. The league’s recent statements indicate they are taking steps to implement stricter guidelines for handling medical emergencies during matches. This includes halting games when life-threatening situations arise, reinforcing the importance of player safety over the continuation of play.

The tragedy surrounding Savy King serves as a wakeup call, not just for the NWSL, but for all sports leagues, to prioritize the health of their athletes. The changes being discussed within the league could ultimately lead to better protocols and practices across all sports.

In the wake of the incident, the NWSL community is hopeful that future matches will prioritize athlete safety, fostering an environment where players can compete without undue stress over their health and safety.

Tags: NWSL, Savy King, player safety, Angel City FC, Utah Royals, medical emergency, player protocols, sports safety, women’s soccer, NWSL Players Association