NWSL changes rules for heat, hydration breaks

The NWSL has updated its heat safety policy, and simplified hydration breaks, as the league prepares to return to play in the summer months across the United States.

The NWSL made the announcement on Wednesday along with several competition updates that will take effect immediately, some of which are already in place for the 2026 Men's World Cup .

Under the new heat policy, all hydration breaks will last between 2.5 and 3 minutes for wet bulb globe temperatures between 82.3 and 92.1 degrees Fahrenheit.

Previously, the NWSL had a staggered approach that included the possibility of five-minute…