Angel City forward Alyssa Thompson ‘s recent move to Chelsea spurred questions about whether the National Women’s Soccer League is doing enough to keep its stars.

There are advantages to playing in the NWSL for many American players: the chance to stay close to home in a league regarded as one of the best in the world.

But over the years, some of the league’s big names have bolted for Europe. Australian Sam Kerr left for Chelsea in 2020, U.S. team captain Lindsey Heaps went to Lyon in 2022. More recently, Crystal Dunn, Emily Fox and Jenna Nighswonger have all moved overseas.

Earlier this year, Chelsea paid a $1 million transfer fee to the San Diego Wave for U.S. national team defender Naomi Girma.

Players who have left cite the adventure of living in a new culture and the challenges of

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