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On the end of October, Angel City FC player Elizabeth Eddy posted her first online post in nearly two years. Within her message, she responded to reports that the National Women's Soccer League had discreetly dropped its inclusion policy for trans and intersex athletes, leaving the league's future stance undecided.

The following day, her writing was shared completely by a different publication, giving it broader attention.

“I worry that without clarity about who the league is for, it will sacrifice its character and its growth,” Eddy wrote.

The article broadly advocated for a prohibition on trans athletes from the NWSL to protect “the fairness of women's sports.”

Questioning the Real Threat

It remains uncertain how Eddy believes the league's credibility has been damaged—either under its previous guidelines that permitted trans athletes or its current lack of one. The league, now in its 13th season, has developed a clear identity. It's extremely contested, influential in business and culture, and an essential part of the global women's soccer landscape.

The league's momentum seems largely fine—audience numbers have increased each year, and growth to 16 teams is scheduled for 2026.

Analyzing the Data

Eddy cites the English FA's new prohibition on trans players as a success story. However, that ban is thought to affect only 20 or so grassroots players out of 5.5 million registered athletes. The effect in the United States would likely be equally minimal.

In 2021, when the league's policy of inclusion took effect, there were two trans players: one player and Kumi Yokoyama. They have both departed, and no openly transgender athletes presently play in the NWSL. On the 2025 season's first matchdays, the NWSL celebrated its thousandth participant. That's only two out trans players out of more than a thousand in the NWSL's existence.

Unfounded Concerns and Real Damage

The article is written as if there is a pipeline of transgender athletes ready to dominate the NWSL at a moment's notice. This is not the case. There are currently no openly transgender players competing at a professional level in the US. Federal legislation explicitly prohibits trans players from competing in university sports. Moreover, numerous scientifically reviewed studies have shown that trans athletes have no inherent physical edge over cisgender competitors.

In the absence of openly transgender individuals, transphobic attacks have continued along ethnic divisions. When Orlando Pride's Barbra Banda was awarded a top honor, she faced a surge of online abuse. The NWSL was painfully slow in defending their key athlete. Similarly, another team's Temwa Chawinga and her sister faced comparable abuse.

“That article does not represent for our club in this locker room,” Angel City FC captain Sarah Gorden told the media. “We don't agree with the content for a multitude of causes, but mostly the undertones come across as transphobic and prejudiced as well.”

Additional Urgent Issues Confronting the League

Regardless if one were to ignore all that and believe that including transgender athletes represents a genuine issue for the league, 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 continue to be a concern. Six former San Diego Wave employees are taking legal action against the team and the league, alleging bias based on race and ability, unwanted advances, and failure to stop discrimination.
• Player care is a further area of concern. In spring, a player Savy King collapsed on the field, requiring emergency medical treatment. The match resumed, despite players were visibly upset. The NWSLPA called on the NWSL to review their medical protocols.
• Extreme weather guidelines have also been challenged. During a broadcast match, the league head allegedly threatened to penalize a club over a dispute in extreme heat procedures.
• Financial competition from leagues abroad like the Women's Super League is increasing, attracting some of the NWSL's best players away from the league and country where they built their professional lives.

Trans athletes were not involved into any one of these issues. And it's improbable they will, irrespective of whether Eddy's suggestions come to pass.