The National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) is collaborating with the Women’s Super League (WSL) and the global players’ union, Fifpro, on Project ACL, a three-year research initiative aimed at reducing the incidence of anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injuries in women’s soccer. Studies indicate that women are two to six times more likely to suffer ACL injuries compared to men, often due to a combination of biological factors and environmental conditions such as pitch quality and training resources. This initiative builds on a previous project launched in 2024 and seeks to address the lack of comprehensive research focused on female athletes, who make up less than 10% of sports science studies. High-profile athletes like Leah Williamson and Vivianne Miedema have missed significant tournaments due to ACL injuries, underscoring the urgency for improved injury prevention strategies. The project will involve surveys and interviews with players across both leagues, aiming to develop tailored injury-prevention programs that can be implemented by clubs and leagues, similar to protocols for brain injuries. The NWSL's vice-president of sporting, Sarah Gregorius, emphasized the importance of player health and performance for the league's future, stating that this initiative will help create better support systems for athletes.