“This is how pain has purpose. That’s how these players took their power back,” we’re told in a new trailer for “Truth Be Told: The Fight for Women’s Professional Soccer.” The ESPN documentary revisits how players took a stand against the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) following years of mistreatment and a lack of basic protections.

Amidst sexual misconduct allegations, players halted three games in October 2021 — Gotham FC versus Washington Spirit, North Carolina Courage versus Racing Louisville, and Houston Dash versus Portland Thorns — to link arms in the center circle for a moment of silence. Players recall the “power” of the moment being “undeniable,” and using that time to “think about the change” they want to see. “The whole league was oriented around protecting everyone but [players],” it’s emphasized.

The spot explores how a “culture of silence” plagued the league. “They have to be quiet if they want this job,” we’re told. When the players “hit this tipping point,” there was no going back.

“Truth Be Told” premieres July 25 on ESPN’s “E60.”