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On the end of October, ACFC player Elizabeth Eddy posted her first online statement in almost two years. In it, she responded to reports that the National Women's Soccer League had quietly dropped its inclusion policy for transgender and intersex athletes, making the organization's position unclear.

The next day, her opinion piece was republished in full by another media outlet, providing wider attention.

“I'm concerned that without clarity about who the league is for, it will lose its identity and its momentum,” Eddy wrote.

The article broadly advocated for a prohibition on trans athletes from the NWSL to preserve “the fairness of female athletics.”

Questioning the Actual Risk

It remains uncertain how Eddy thinks the league's credibility has been harmed—whether under its previous guidelines that allowed trans athletes or its current 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 essential part of the worldwide women's soccer landscape.

Its growth trajectory appears largely strong—audience numbers have grown each year, and growth to sixteen clubs is planned for 2026.

Examining the Data

Eddy cites the English FA's recent ban on trans players as a success story. However, that ban is thought to impact only 20 or so amateur players out of 5.5 million soccer players. The effect in the United States would likely be similarly negligible.

In 2021, when the NWSL's trans inclusion policy was implemented, there were two transgender athletes: one player and Kumi Yokoyama. Both have since left, and no openly transgender athletes presently compete in the NWSL. On the 2025 season's opening weekend, the NWSL welcomed its thousandth participant. That's just two openly transgender individuals out of over 1,000 in league history.

Unfounded Fears and Real Damage

Eddy's piece is written as if there is a pipeline of trans players ready to dominate the league at a moment's notice. There is no such thing. There are currently no out trans players playing at a professional level in the United States. National laws expressly prohibits trans players from participating in university sports. Moreover, numerous scientifically reviewed studies have demonstrated that transgender players have no biological advantages over cisgender competitors.

Without of out trans people, discriminatory behavior have continued along racial lines. When Orlando Pride's Barbra Banda was named player of the year, she experienced a wave of online abuse. The NWSL was slow to respond in supporting their key athlete. Similarly, Kansas City Current's Temwa Chawinga and her sister have experienced comparable abuse.

“That article does not speak for this team in our dressing room,” Angel City FC captain Sarah Gorden told the media. “We disagree with the content for a multitude of causes, but mostly the implications come across as transphobic and prejudiced as well.”

Other Pressing Problems Confronting the NWSL

Regardless if one were to overlook these points and believe that including transgender athletes represents a real problem for the NWSL, it's hard to see how it would surpass any number of different challenges that have truly hindered the growth and compromised its integrity.

• Employment standards for staff remain a concern. Six former club employees are suing the team and the league, alleging racial and disability discrimination, unwanted advances, and failure to stop prejudice.
• Athlete welfare is a further issue. In May, Angel City defender Savy King fell on the pitch, requiring emergency medical treatment. On-field play resumed, despite teammates were clearly distraught. The NWSLPA called on the league to revisit their health procedures.
• Extreme weather guidelines have also been challenged. During a nationally televised match, the league head allegedly threatened to fine a club over a dispute in extreme heat procedures.
• Economic competition from leagues abroad like the Women's Super League is growing, luring top talent away from the NWSL and nation where they made their careers.

Trans athletes did not factor into a single one of these challenges. And it's improbable they will, regardless of whether the proposed changes are implemented.