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During late October, Angel City FC player Elizabeth Eddy posted her first online statement in nearly two years. Within her message, she addressed news that the NWSL had quietly abandoned its policy of inclusion for transgender and intersex athletes, making the organization's future stance unclear.

The next day, her opinion piece was republished completely by another media outlet, giving it broader attention.

“I'm concerned that without clarity about the league's intended participants, it will lose its character and its growth,” stated Eddy.

The article broadly advocated for a prohibition on trans athletes from the NWSL to preserve “the integrity 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 allowed trans athletes or its current absence of policy. The league, now in its thirteenth year, has established a clear brand. It's extremely contested, influential in business and culture, and an integral part of the global female football landscape.

Its growth trajectory appears mostly strong—audience numbers have increased every season, and expansion to sixteen clubs is planned for 2026.

Examining the Evidence

Eddy references the English FA's new prohibition on trans players as a positive example. However, that restriction is believed to impact only 20 or so grassroots participants out of 5.5 million soccer players. The impact in the US would likely be equally minimal.

In 2021, when the league's policy of inclusion took effect, there were a couple transgender athletes: one player and Kumi Yokoyama. They have both departed, and no out trans players currently play in the NWSL. On the current season's opening weekend, the NWSL welcomed its 1,000th player. That's just two out trans players out of over 1,000 in league history.

Unfounded Fears and Actual Damage

The article is framed as if there is a stream of transgender athletes ready to dominate the NWSL at a moment's notice. There is no such thing. At present, there are no out trans players competing at a elite level in the United States. National laws explicitly bans transgender athletes from competing in NCAA college soccer. Moreover, multiple peer-reviewed studies have shown that transgender players have no inherent physical edge over cis athletes.

In the absence of out trans people, transphobic attacks have continued along racial lines. When Orlando Pride's Barbra Banda was awarded player of the year, she experienced a surge of digital harassment. The league was slow to respond in supporting their key athlete. Similarly, another team's Temwa Chawinga and her sister have experienced similar abuse.

“That article does not speak for our club in this locker room,” team leader Sarah Gorden told reporters. “We disagree with the things written for a multitude of causes, but mostly the undertones come across as discriminatory against trans people and prejudiced as well.”

Other Pressing Issues Confronting the League

Even if one were to ignore all that and think that including transgender athletes represents a real problem for the league, it's difficult to see how it would surpass multiple of different challenges that have actually hindered the growth and compromised its integrity.

• Employment standards for staff remain a problem. Several ex- San Diego Wave employees are suing the club and the NWSL, alleging racial and disability discrimination, unwanted advances, and failure to stop prejudice.
• Player care is a further area of concern. In spring, a player Savy King collapsed on the field, requiring emergency medical treatment. On-field play resumed, despite teammates were clearly upset. The players' association called on the league to review their medical protocols.
• Extreme weather protocols have also been challenged. During a nationally televised match, the league head reportedly warned to penalize a team over a dispute in extreme heat procedures.
• Financial rivalry from leagues abroad like the Women's Super League is growing, luring some of the NWSL's best players away from the NWSL and nation where they built their professional lives.

Transgender players were not involved into any one of these issues. And it's improbable they will, regardless of whether Eddy's suggestions are implemented.