What you need to know about the NWSL sexual misconduct scandal

A major scandal has shaken one of the top pro women's soccer leagues in the world to its very foundation.

The National Women's Soccer League is reeling from sexual harassment and misconduct allegations involving one of its most prominent coaches, and the fallout has led to series of firings and resignations.

The players are irate, including U.S. national team member Alex Morgan, who went on NBC's Today show this week and criticized the NWSL for its "systemic failure" to protect its athletes.

Here's what you need to know about this important, developing story:

Founded in 2012, the National Women's Soccer League boasts 10 clubs across the United States at the moment, with expansion teams in Los Angeles and San Diego scheduled to come aboard in 2022.

Several members of Canada's Olympic gold-medal team play in the NWSL, including Christine Sinclair (Portland Thorns), Nichelle Prince (Houston Dash), Desiree Scott (Kansas City) and Évelyne Viens (NJ/NY Gotham FC). A number of international stars also play in the NWSL, most notably Megan Rapinoe (OL Reign - Tacoma) of the United States, and Brazil's Marta (Orlando Pride).

The NWSL also features some notable investors. Former boxing great Oscar de la Hoya owns a stake in the Houston Dash, four-time Grand Slam tennis champion Naomi Osaka has invested in the North Carolina Courage, and actress Natalie Portman is part of the ownership group at Angel City FC, the Los Angeles expansion team.