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This is Defector, a new sports blog and media company. We made this place together, we own it together, we run it together. Without access, without favor, without discretion, and without interference.

Defector

<p>Lesley Ryder is a writer and a host covering the Chicago Red Stars. She co-created <a href="https://galpalsports.com/">Gal Pal Sports</a>, a platform that lives to make women’s sports fun for everyone.</p>


Lesley Ryder

The digital signage shows the NWSL logo on it before the National Women's Soccer League match between NJ/NY Gotham FC and the Houston Dash at Red Bull Arena on July 31, 2022 in Harrison, New Jersey.

NWSL

NWSL To Pay $5 Million To Abused Players As Part Of Settlement

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<div>Abigail Segel is a contributing writer at Defector. She is also an editor for The IX Soccer and the Equalizer. Her work has been published in the Guardian and the Montreal Gazette.</div>
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Abigail Segel

Mallory Swanson poses with her arms in the air during a USWNT portrait studio session on February 13, 2024 in Los Angeles, California.

Soccer

Mal Swanson Is Back! And So Are The Red Stars

Tom Ley

Megan Rapinoe #15 of OL Reign reacts after her last home regular-season NWSL match at Lumen Field on October 06, 2023 in Seattle, Washington.

Megan Rapinoe Put Retirement Off A Little Longer


<p>Diana Moskovitz is Defector&#8217;s investigations editor. You can contact her at diana@defector.com or dfmoskovitz@protonmail.com. She&#8217;s also on Signal @dmoskovitz.99</p>


Diana Moskovitz

The NWSL flag waves in the wind during the match between the Kansas City Current and the Chicago Red Stars on Saturday, June 18, 2022 at Childrens Mercy Park in Kansas City, KS.

Everything That Was Not Said In The NWSL’s Friday News Dump


<p>Claire Watkins is a musician and writer living in Chicago, IL.</p>


Claire Watkins

The logo for the NWSL's Chicago Red Stars. The Logo is dirty and shattered.

SPORTS

CULTURE

OTHER

Chicago Red Stars

NWSL To Pay $5 Million To Abused Players As Part Of Settlement

Mal Swanson Is Back! And So Are The Red Stars

Megan Rapinoe Put Retirement Off A Little Longer

Everything That Was Not Said In The NWSL’s Friday News Dump

How The Chicago Red Stars Became The Epitome Of NWSL Dysfunction

This NWSL Final Is The Result Of Knockout Soccer At Its Best

The Era Of Lady Boss Sports Team Owners Is Upon Us