Leading up to the 2023 NWSL Draft, the Orlando Pride were ready to use the college allocation process to rebuild their team. The project had begun in earnest last off-season when former Pride general manager Ian Fleming sent several aging veterans away, picking up Allocation Money and draft picks in the process. A deep draft allowed the Pride to have a seemingly excellent night, despite only having two picks in the first two rounds. But only time will tell whether the draft was as good as it seems.
The first trade Fleming made as general manager was trading Emily Sonnett to the Washington Spirit.