NWSL free agency is in full swing — Moves and non-moves so far

First, a bit of breaking news:

The NWSL announced a few key dates today, and the regular season is fast approaching. The defending NWSL champion Orlando Pride will play the Challenge Cup against the Washington Spirit on March 7. The game is supposed to be between the Shield winner and the NWSL champions, but since both those titles are held by the Pride, it’s a rematch of the title game.

The regular season starts March 14. The NWSL championship will be played on Nov. 22, broadcast on CBS.

Teams won’t be scheduled to play during FIFA international windows. Teams will be off for the contract-mandated break from June 23-29, and over the entire month of July for international competitions, including the Women’s Euros. Teams will be able to schedule friendlies during that time, but it appears that the Summer Cup with Liga MX teams is over.

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On to free agency:

When the NWSL and its players’ union struck a new collective bargaining agreement last September, a lot of the focus was on the elimination of the college draft. But it also brought about changes to free agency. Now all players were unrestricted free agents upon completion of their contracts, as opposed to the prior agreement which gave full free agency only to players after five years in the league.

There are a number of high-profile players on the list of free agents released by the league. Chicago’s Alyssa Naeher was among them, but she signed for one more year with the club as she retired from the the U.S. national team.

Veteran defender Becky Sauerbrunn, also a free agent, announced her retirement from the league, as did veteran goalkeeper Nicole Barnhart. Brazilian Debinha opted to stay with Kansas City. Gotham re-signed goalkeeper Ann-Katrin Berger and Jun Endo is back with Angel City. Gotham also signed Brazilian Gabi Portilho.

But the final destination of several high-profile players remains in play. The Reign thanked midfielder Quinn and Tziarra King for their service, while the situation with Lu Barnes remains uncertain. The Thorns did not re-sign Meghan Klingenberg and Kelli Hubly. Marta is a free agent, as is Kerolin and Midge Purce.

Note that each team has 26 roster spots. Additionally, the primary transfer window opens Jan. 28.

A few other newsy events happened while Soccer Monday took a holiday break:

First, Sauerbrunn announced her retirement. Holy heck she’s a good writer. Also, excited to see what’s next. I don’t expect that Becky will ride off into the sunset.

Denver was awarded the 16th NWSL franchise. Gonna be interesting if the NWSL ever switches to the international schedule. Snow Soccer!

The Denver group, led by IMA Financial Group Chairman and CEO Rob Cohen, is expected to pay over $100 million for the new team. Sportico and The Athletic reported on the acquisition, which the league has not yet announced.

BOS Nation is indeed changing its name. Here’s the statement from controlling owner Jennifer Epstein.

Be on the lookout:

Emma Hayes is going to announce her roster for the traditional January Camp on Tuesday. The USWNT will simultaneously hold a Futures Camp. It’s likely the futures players will be more interesting than the senior roster.

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Finally, LINKS!

Arsenal needs a winger and is looking to the NWSL, from Goal.com. Related: The Women’s Super League transfer window opened on Jan. 1.

Sportico’s story on the Denver franchise.

All for XI calls for an NWSL All-Star Game!

The San Diego Wave is set to hire Jonas Eidevall as its new coach.

The Houston Dash hire Fabrice Gautrat as its new head coach.

Bay FC CEO Brady Stewart assesses the team’s first year.

Meg Linehan and Steph Yang did a fun story on their favorite memorabilia.

North Carolina’s Kate Fasse wins the MAC Hermann Trophy.

UCLA’s Lilly Reale signs with Gotham.

Nicole Barnart joins list of notable players who have retired this year.

Finally, a couple of notable weddings!

Tierna Davidson and Lindsey Horan both got hitched over the holidays.