It looks like the National Women’s Soccer League is in the eye of the storm. Since the off-season, the American women’s domestic league consistently lost its star players to the European market. While this mass exodus has left ardent NWSL fans worrying, it hasn’t been the case for USWNT veterans like Sam Mewis, Becky Sauerbrunn, or Lynn Biyendolo.

Naomi Girma, Jenna Nighswonger, Kerolin, and Crystal Dunn are a few big names who have traded the American dream for a new one in Europe. In reality, the list is much longer than what’s been heard. But the bottom line is that the NWSL has certainly lost a lot. On top of that, no significant arrivals have only left fans stressing over the uncertainty surrounding the league’s future.

But on the latest episode of The Women’s Game podcast, the trio believes it’s not even an issue how many fans are claiming it to be. Mewis touched on the commotion, insisting it’s hardly an issue for the NWSL. “For once in my life, I am not panicking yet,” began the former midfielder. “I do feel like there are lessons and opportunities for the NWSL to learn from this kind of trend in movement.”

Mewis insists that the men’s game in Europe has created a strong historical pull for everyone. In fact, she feels this attraction will never cease to exist, given it’s a ‘beautiful experience’ for players. Describing Europe as a ‘hotbed of soccer’, Mewis doesn’t blame anyone for choosing to leave the U.S. adding, “I don’t think that everybody making this move is saying the NWSL is not the right place for me.”

Sam praised NWSL’s general managers and teams for acquiring and retaining talent from across Africa and South America, citing the success stories of Barbara Banda, Temwa Chawinga, and Marta. The former midfielder, who herself went to Manchester City, is reluctant to overlook the incredible talents still sticking around in the States.

In fact, Mewis vocally insisted that losing talent around the cycle of world tournaments is completely normal. That’s because players look for more growth. Of course, her fellow co-hosts, Lyn and Becky agreed with the former NC Courage star. Both had some interesting points to mention.

NWSL is safe despite the mass exodus, at least for now!

Becky Sauerbrunn highlighted the remarkable growth of the women’s game worldwide. She also praised the NWSL for spotting talents from places one could hardly think of. But she advises the league to focus on the next steps. This can be done by emulating a similar talent identification infrastructure, like the men’s game.

“There is so much more talent that we just have not spotted,” said the former defender. Given the kind of talent NWSL has witnessed throughout the years, Becky believes “there’s so much more out there and these players just need to be discovered and given a chance.”

Likewise, Lynn Williams, now Biyendolo, believes there is always a ‘perfect time’ for players to make the move abroad for their own growth. And if things don’t work out, they are always welcome to return. “I think that the league is stronger than ever. There’s so much talent in this league right now that it’s scary.”

Lynn also cited examples of expansion teams. Denver showcases the league’s growth being the latest franchise to get a record $110 million expansion right. Given that she herself is an active player, the forward mentioned how the challenges increase day by day on the pitch. “Every single game here is so hard,” Biyendolo said, even though she never savored the European challenge.

Be that as it may, it looks like there’s nothing much to worry about. Yet, we wonder what your thoughts as well. Sound off in the comments.