The National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) announced a landmark initiative to equip all 16 teams with Hands-Only CPR and AED training, making it the first American professional sports league to implement such league-wide training. The initiative, led by Angel City FC defender Savy King in partnership with the American Heart Association, was unveiled at the NWSL Awards ceremony in San Jose, California.
“When someone has a sudden cardiac arrest, immediate CPR can mean the difference between life and death,” said Nancy Brown, CEO of the American Heart Association. “Thanks to the leadership of the NWSL and to Savy King for championing this effort to help people understand just how critical it is to be prepared to act. This work will save lives as we continue to build a Nation of Lifesavers.”
The training will take place during the 2026 preseason, with certified instructors teaching the two-step technique: calling 911 and pushing hard and fast in the center of the chest. According to the American Heart Association, over half of out-of-hospital cardiac arrest victims do not receive immediate CPR, resulting in a 90% fatality rate. Learning Hands-Only CPR takes just 90 seconds and can double or triple survival chances.
NWSL Commissioner Jessica Berman emphasized the league’s commitment: “We’re proud to be the first professional sports league to implement CPR training at this scale by training both those on the field and on the sidelines. This initiative reflects our commitment to player safety, community impact and leadership in health education.”
As part of the initiative, the NWSL will launch a player ambassador program with one representative from each team to advocate for CPR awareness, led by Savy King. King, inspired by a personal experience on the pitch, founded the Savy King of Hearts foundation to raise awareness about heart health and CPR education. “It's simple, powerful, and it can make all the difference. This is more than just a training — it’s about saving lives,” King said.
The ambassador program will include social media campaigns and public service announcements throughout the 2026 season. The American Heart Association, which publishes official CPR guidelines, aims to double survival rates of out-of-hospital cardiac arrest by 2030 through its Nation of Lifesavers initiative.
The NWSL and the American Heart Association have collaborated since 2023 as part of the Smart Heart Sports Coalition, advocating for policies to prevent fatal cardiac arrest among high school students. Over 23,000 children under 18 experience cardiac arrest outside hospitals annually, with about 40% occurring among student-athletes.
With nearly three out of four cardiac arrests occurring at home, knowing CPR is critical. Witnesses should call 911 and begin chest compressions at 100-120 beats per minute to a depth of about two inches. For more information, visit www.heart.org/nation or www.heart.org/HandsOnlyCPR.
