The soccer world is buzzing, and for good reason. This year’s transfer window sent shockwaves through the NWSL, with some of the league’s biggest names packing their bags for Europe. Naomi Girma, Jenna Nighswonger, Kerolin, and Crystal Dunn—just a few of the powerhouse players who swapped the American dream for a new chapter overseas. Girma’s jaw-dropping $1 million move to Chelsea shattered records, Nighswonger’s switch to Arsenal added fuel to the fire, and let’s not forget Kerolin and Dunn taking their talents to Manchester City and PSG as free agents.

Sure, individually, these deals look like wins, but for the NWSL? It’s a different story. And while European clubs are stacking their rosters, the NWSL is dealing with a talent drain that could shake its foundation. The league has actually lost more firepower than it has gained, and should this trend continue, it could be poisonous for the future of the league. But as the debate rages on, Coach Emma Hayes isn’t sitting this one out—she’s stepping in and laying down an ultimatum to finally settle the NWSL vs. European leagues showdown.

Jeff Kassouf, the go-to guy for all things #NWSL and #USWNT over at @ESPN, hit up X on February 11 with a little gem from Emma Hayes. The new #USWNT boss didn’t just hype up the NWSL—she doubled down on it being the most competitive league in the world, no debate needed.

“I think the #NWSL is a top league, arguably the most competitive league in the world from top to bottom. I don’t think it’s arguably — it is the most competitive league from top to bottom,” Hayes declared, making sure there was zero room for doubt. Not exactly breaking news, but when a coaching powerhouse like Hayes puts her foot down, you know she means business!

And the list just keeps growing! Orlando Pride’s Mariana Larroquette was transferred to Newell’s Old Boys on loan, as for Chicago Stars, Julia Bianchi and Ally Cook signed for SC Internacional and Spokane Zephyr respectively. Houston Dash parted ways with Andressa Alves and Madison Ayson who moved to Corinthians and Canberra United respectively.

At the same time, Croix Soto joined AFC Toronto as a player, while Stine Ballisager Pedersen left KC Current for a new club, Fiorentina. It has been quite a moving year, and the league is changing rapidly. But wait—just when it seems like the NWSL is taking heavy hits, there’s a silver lining. Even with all these exits, the league isn’t crumbling.

Not the end for NWSL yet!

Becky Sauerbrunn is quite aware of the fact that women’s soccer is on the rise and she supports it. The NWSL has a talent of finding talent from the most unexpected places but she said that there is one thing that needs to be enhanced and that is the scouting. Following the young men’s team thread, she feels it is high time that the league enhances the talent search system and expand it. “There is so much more talent that we just have not spotted,” the former defender pointed out, emphasizing that the next big stars are out there, just waiting to be discovered.

Lynn Williams, now Biyendolo, is not remaining silent on the matter either. She is convinced that for players, there is no bad time to go in search of a European ticket. But here is the catch—no matter the result, the NWSL is where the team always lands. As far as she is concerned the league is on its best form it has ever been in. “I think that the league is stronger than ever. There’s so much talent in this league right now that it’s scary,” she said. And she is not only saying that – just look at Denver getting a record $110 million expansion right.

The league is becoming more extensive, competition is intensifying and each game is turning into a battle. As an active player, Biyendolo knows firsthand how intense things get on the field. “Every single game here is so hard,” she admitted, despite the fact that she never attempted the European challenge. Thus, is it high time to push the panic button? Probably not. The NWSL is still standing tall, and there is no shortage of talents that will continue to feed the league in the coming years. But hey, what do you think? Is the above mentioned overseas moves a problem or is the league in its strongest shape ever? Drop your thoughts in the comments!