The NWSL has faced significant scrutiny following the Angel City vs. Utah Royals game, particularly regarding player safety after Savy King’s on-field collapse. On May 16, 2025, the league admitted that the match should not have continued after King required urgent medical attention.
- NWSL admitted game should not have continued.
- Savy King collapsed during the match.
- King underwent successful heart surgery.
- Players Association called for match abandonment.
- NWSL reviewing protocols for medical incidents.
- Angel City won the match 2-0.
A spokesperson confirmed that a review of protocols, along with feedback from stakeholders, led to this conclusion. King collapsed in the 74th minute and was later transported to California Hospital Medical Center, where she successfully underwent surgery for a heart abnormality.
This incident raises important questions about player safety in professional sports. Should leagues prioritize player health over game continuity? The NWSL is now reviewing its protocols to ensure similar situations are handled more effectively in the future.
- The match was paused for 16 minutes before resuming.
- Angel City won the game 2-0 despite the incident.
- The NWSL Players Association expressed that the game should have been abandoned.
- King’s family thanked the community for their support during her recovery.
