Recently, there has been a rise in the number of USWNT and NWSL players choosing to play in England instead of staying in the NWSL. This new trend started a conversation about why exactly players are leaving the league and choosing the WSL instead.
Of course, there are many reasons for that. Despite the fact that fans might be upset that their favorite USWNT and NWSL players are playing for new clubs, they should also be proud of how far they have come and support them on their latest adventure.
Some USWNT AND NWSL Players Who Went To The WSL
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Some names who left the NWSL and headed to England include Kerolin, who came from North Carolina Courage and joined Manchester City instead. There is also the historical deal of USWNT and former San Diego Wave player Naomi Girma, who headed to Chelsea in the WSL. Girma’s deal reached $ 1.1 million, according to The Athletic. There is also the deal of USWNT and NWSL player Jenna Nighswonger who left Gotham to join the WSL’s Arsenal.
Why are USWNT and NWSL Players heading To The WSL?
At first, the NWSL was seen as the best league for soccer players, including USWNT players. The league has been filled with talent from everywhere, but the climate is changing now. The question is: why are players leaving the NWSL and heading to England?
More Competitions
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One of the reasons that could be behind USWNT and NWSL players heading to England is that the WSL has more competitions. There is the FA Cup, the WSL League Cup, and the Champions League. This offers players diverse competitions to participate in. The stakes are higher, and every new cup will add to them more experience.
The NWSL also started having more competitions, but they haven’t been going on for long. We now have the NWSL x Liga MX Femenil Summer Cup, which started in 2024. There is also the FIFA Women’s Club World Cup, which is set to begin in 2026. While more details about the tournament are yet to be released, it is still a relatively new competition.
On the other hand, the WSL’s competitions aren’t new. Not to mention that a new competition called UEFA Women’s Europa Cup will be introduced. Therefore, there are more possibilities in the WSL.
Playing In The Champions League
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The Champions League is a good enough reason in itself to encourage players to leave the NWSL and join the WSL. It is a prestigious competition where players can get diverse playing experience. They would be going against players from different leagues all over the world. So the Champions League can be a good chance to prepare for the 2027 Women’s World Cup. We can even consider it a mini World Cup, but for teams.
Getting Paid More
Another reason that could make USWNT and NWSL players head to England is that the WSL will offer them better wages. Being paid what players deserve is enough to make any player consider moving to England. The salary cap of the NWSL might drive a lot of players to the WSL, where they will get paid more than what they are used to. This is why some want the NWSL to let go of the $3.3 million salary cap.
This is mainly because the WSL’s salary cap is 40% of revenue. This 40% includes parent club income, meaning clubs with male equivalents have more to spend.
The Influence of Emma Hayes
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USWNT’s Emma Hayes might have played a role in this new wave of players heading to the WSL. Hayes has been giving a chance to a lot of NWSL and USWNT players other than the usual names we see. A coach like Hayes is someone who other coaches respect. She has an eye for talent, and this might make WSL coaches consider USWNT and NWSL players more than before.
There Are More Investment Opportunities
What might make the WSL more appealing to players is that there are more investment opportunities. This will only improve the league. In an interview with BBC, Arsenal’s Mariona Caldentey talked about the difference in England.
“When England won the Euros, everyone could see a really big change in the league. That’s what we missed in Spain — when we won the World Cup, we changed nothing. So it’s maybe the best league to play in, England,” she said.
In the same interview, Laia Codina had something to share as well. “Nothing changed in Spain. Here [in the WSL], everyone is improving, the clubs are spending money, maybe it’s why more Spanish players are coming here. It’s an exciting place. In the national team, they ask a lot, they want to know how it’s going here. I hope we can bring more people!” said Codina.
Players Simply Want To Join The WSL
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Of course, players are allowed to want a new experience. USWNT defender Jenna Nighswonger is one of those players.
“Playing in England is just something that I’ve always wanted to do. So sometimes when an opportunity presents itself, even if you’re happy at a club, you just have to take a leap of faith,” she said to Just Women’s Sports.
It’s not even about comparing the NWSL and the WSL. “I have nothing but positive things to say about Gotham and the NWSL. I think [transferring] is just a fun opportunity to play in another country, and learn about a new culture,” she continued.
Should The NWSL Start Worrying?
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Despite the increasing number of USWNT and NWSL players heading to England, the NWSL shouldn’t start worrying about losing its appeal. This league remains one of the best in the world. It is highly competitive, to the point where we can’t predict that one team will win it all.
This is why many players of different nationalities still choose the NWSL. So, the league is still alive and well.
There is also the fact that the NWSL has to look at the future. The league needs to ask themselves: What is missing? They must add more appeal and eliminate problems that might make players leave the league. But for now, the league is safe. Even Marta wants players to choose the NWSL over the WSL; she recommends that to other players every single year.
“When I was in Brazil or with the national team or on vacation, if I had the opportunity to talk with the players there, I always recommend them to go to America,” she said in an interview with Sam Mewis’ The Women’s Game.
This Is Good For Women’s Soccer
One thing for sure about USWNT and NWSL players heading to England is that this is good for the game. It increases the competition between leagues instead of one league shining more than the other. It also gives players more opportunities and options to choose from. Diversity is never bad, especially when it makes women’s soccer grow.
Image via @herwaytoglory
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