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NWSL Becomes First U.S. Pro League to Mandate CPR, AED Training for All Teams

The rollout pairs AHA-certified preseason instruction with a player ambassador network to boost bystander readiness.

Overview

  • Announced at the NWSL Awards in San Jose, the initiative is a partnership among the league, Angel City defender Savy King and the American Heart Association.
  • The commitment covers all 16 clubs and will train every player, coach and staff member, marking a first-of-its-kind standard in U.S. professional sports.
  • Certified instructors will conduct Hands-Only CPR sessions during the 2026 preseason, teaching the AHA two-step response of calling 911 and pushing hard and fast, with added AED education.
  • The league will designate a player ambassador on each team, led by King, with public service messages and social campaigns planned throughout the 2026 season.
  • King’s on-field cardiac emergency earlier this year prompted the effort; she credited CPR and her medical team, honored Angel City staff at the awards, and was cleared last week for contact training.