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On late October, Angel City FC player Elizabeth Eddy made her initial online post in almost two years. In it, she addressed reports that the National Women's Soccer League had quietly abandoned its inclusion policy for transgender and intersex athletes, leaving the league's future stance unclear.

The following day, her opinion piece was republished completely by another publication, providing wider attention.

“I'm concerned that lacking clear guidelines about the league's intended participants, it will sacrifice its identity and its growth,” Eddy wrote.

The article broadly advocated for a ban on transgender players from the NWSL to protect “the fairness of female athletics.”

Examining the Real Threat

It remains uncertain how Eddy thinks the NWSL's integrity has been harmed—either under its previous guidelines that permitted trans athletes or its present lack of one. The organization, now in its 13th season, has established a distinct identity. It's extremely contested, commercially and culturally powerful, and an integral part of the global women's soccer scene.

The league's momentum appears largely strong—viewership have grown each year, and growth to 16 teams is scheduled for the coming years.

Analyzing the Data

Eddy references the Football Association's new prohibition on trans players as a positive example. However, that restriction is believed to affect only approximately twenty amateur participants out of millions registered athletes. The impact in the United States would likely be similarly minimal.

Two years ago, when the league's trans inclusion policy was implemented, there were two transgender athletes: one player and Kumi Yokoyama. They have both departed, and no openly transgender athletes currently play in the NWSL. On the 2025 season's first matchdays, the league celebrated its 1,000th player. That's only two out trans players out of over 1,000 in the NWSL's existence.

Baseless Concerns and Real Damage

The article is written as if there is a pipeline of trans players ready to take over the NWSL imminently. This is not the case. There are currently no openly transgender players playing at a professional level in the US. Federal legislation explicitly prohibits trans players from competing in university sports. Additionally, multiple scientifically reviewed research have demonstrated that trans athletes have no inherent physical edge over cis athletes.

Without of openly transgender individuals, discriminatory behavior have persisted along racial lines. When Orlando Pride's Barbra Banda was awarded a top honor, she faced a wave of online abuse. The NWSL was painfully slow in defending their key athlete. Similarly, Kansas City Current's Temwa Chawinga and her sister have experienced comparable mistreatment.

“That article does not represent for our club in this locker room,” team leader Sarah Gorden told the media. “We disagree with the content for a multitude of causes, but mostly the implications come across as transphobic and racist as well.”

Other Pressing Problems Confronting the League

Even if one were to overlook these points and think that including transgender athletes represents a real problem for the NWSL, it's hard to see how it would surpass any number of other issues that have truly blunted the league's momentum and compromised its integrity.

• Employment standards for professionals remain a problem. Several ex- San Diego Wave employees are taking legal action against the team and the league, alleging bias based on race and ability, sexual harassment, and negligence to prevent prejudice.
• Athlete welfare is a further area of concern. In May, Angel City defender Savy King collapsed on the pitch, requiring emergency medical treatment. On-field play resumed, despite teammates were clearly upset. The players' association called on the NWSL to review their medical protocols.
• Extreme weather guidelines have additionally been challenged. During a broadcast match, the league head reportedly warned to fine a club over a dispute in hot weather policies.
• Economic competition from European leagues like the WSL is increasing, attracting top talent away from the NWSL and country where they made their careers.

Transgender players were not involved into a single one of these challenges. And it's improbable they will, regardless of whether the proposed changes are implemented.