Naomi Girma, Jenna Nighswonger, Kerolin, Crystal Dunn— but just a few of the most prolific names that have left the NWSL in the offseason for European leagues. Somehow, the trend of quitting the American dream is in the surge as these moves have certainly left the future of the American women’s domestic league hanging in the balance, causing concern among many passionate fans.

Sure, on an individual level, and judging by the deals that have transpired, everything sounds good. For example, Naomi Girma’s record $1 million transfer to Chelsea became the most expensive in women’s history. Other notable moves include Jenna Nighswonger joining Arsenal for $100,000, and former NC Courage star Kerolin and NJ/NY Gotham’s Crystal Dunn moving to Manchester City and Paris Saint-Germain as free agents, respectively.

Such events in the January transfer window suggest that the women’s game is indeed alive. However, when it comes to the NWSL, the league may have to worry about their own long-term prospects. The fact is, the American women’s domestic league may have lost more talent this month than it gained.

In addition to other high-profile exits, Orlando Pride’s Mariana Larroquette moved to Newell’s Old Boys on loan, while Chicago Stars’ Julia Bianchi and Ally Cook joined SC Internacional and Spokane Zephyr, respectively. Likewise, Houston Dash’s Andressa Alves and Madison Ayson signed with Corinthians and Canberra United, with defender Croix Soto transferred to AFC Toronto, and Stine Ballisager Pedersen left KC Current for Fiorentina.

Furthermore, Racing Louisville’s Parker Goins joined USL Super League’s Tampa Bay Sun, while Quinn and Nikki Stanton made moves to Vancouver Rise FC. Last but not least, San Diego Wave’s Amirah Ali moved to Valencia, and Washington Spirit’s Annaïg Butel and Lena Silano signed with FC Fleury and UD Tenerife.

Such a list clearly suggests that NWSL has indeed lost a lot. On top of that, fans have hardly heard of any significant arrival. No wonder they are in stress over the uncertainty surrounding the league’s future!

NWSL fans aren’t impressed with the prolific exits, as the future of the league comes into question!

One can admit that Crystal Dunn joining PSG was the breaking point for all the NWSL fans as a post shared by BR Football on X regarding the transfer of the USWNT star saw ardent supporters question the league’s future.

To be honest, no one even knew there would be early signs of why the players are readily moving away from what many have touted as the “best league in the world.” But from the looks of it, there is something that has led to so many names leaving the American domestic challenge for a foreign one:

“Gotham now sees Jenna Nighswonger and Crystal Dunn leave in the same week. Though Dunn not on the rise like Girma and Nighswonger, it’s another loss for #NWSL.”

Days ago, a recent discussion on CBS Sports Golazo featured journalists analyzing Girma’s move to Chelsea. Co-host Alexis Guerreros called the million-dollar transfer a “step down” for the NWSL, arguing it is becoming a selling league rather than a buying one. He stressed that the league should be the top destination for players, not just a stepping stone to the Champions League. In hindsight, it seems Guerreros was right, making this fan’s concern sound real:

“I think it’s great that all the biggest clubs in the world want our USWNT girls, but I’m concerned for the NWSL not being seen as the premier women’s soccer league in the world.”

It’s not as if everyone is leaving for the WSL. Besides opting for top European leagues in England, Spain, Germany, France, and Italy, many players have also moved to domestic leagues in Canada, South America, and beyond. In fact, the decision to leave the NWSL for the USL Super League is particularly baffling to many!

“NWSL is losing a lot of stars, sheesh.”

Noticing a pattern? It’s primarily US Women’s National Team players making the move to Europe. Beyond Girma, Nighswonger, and Dunn, even Trinity Rodman and Sam Coffey have recently been linked with WSL transfers. Imagine the scenes when that happens:

“Damn every USWNT player is going to Europe 😂😂”

Why are dots connecting even more? Emma Hayes has spent more than a decade in the European domestic scene. So it would be natural to ignite a theory that many USWNT stars are moving to Europe just for the sake of getting a spot in the team. That would also see them get significant competition against other European-born stars whom they may face in the 2027 World Cup:

“Emma sent the USWNT to Europe so we can hoop at the World Cup 🙏🏾”

This is just a glimpse of fans’ concerns, but one thing is clear—the future of the NWSL appears uncertain. How the league navigates this challenge remains to be seen!