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During the end of October, ACFC player Elizabeth Eddy posted her first online post in almost two years. In it, she addressed reports that the NWSL had quietly abandoned its inclusion policy for trans and intersex players, making the organization's future stance undecided.

The next day, her opinion piece was shared completely by another publication, giving it wider exposure.

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

Her piece broadly advocated for a ban on transgender players from the league to protect “the integrity of female athletics.”

Examining the Real Threat

It remains uncertain how Eddy believes the NWSL's credibility has been damaged—either under its former policy that allowed trans athletes or its current lack of one. The organization, now in its thirteenth year, has established a clear brand. It's highly competitive, influential in business and culture, and an essential part of the global women's soccer scene.

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

Examining the Evidence

Eddy references the English FA's recent ban on trans players as a positive example. However, that ban is believed to impact only approximately twenty amateur players out of 5.5 million registered athletes. The impact in the US would likely be similarly minimal.

Two years ago, when the NWSL's trans inclusion policy took effect, there were two trans players: Quinn and Kumi Yokoyama. They have both departed, and no openly transgender athletes currently play in the league. On the 2025 season's first matchdays, the NWSL welcomed its 1,000th player. That's just two out trans players out of more than a thousand in league history.

Unfounded Concerns and Actual Harm

Eddy's piece is framed as if there is a stream of trans players ready to take over the league at a moment's notice. This is not the case. There are currently no out trans players competing at a professional level in the US. Federal legislation explicitly prohibits trans players from participating in NCAA college soccer. Additionally, multiple peer-reviewed studies have demonstrated that trans athletes have no biological advantages over cisgender competitors.

In the absence of out trans people, transphobic attacks have persisted along racial lines. When a club's Barbra Banda was awarded player of the year, she faced a surge of online abuse. The league was painfully slow in defending their star player. Likewise, another team's Temwa Chawinga and her sister faced similar mistreatment.

“That article does not represent for our club in this locker room,” Angel City FC captain Sarah Gorden informed the media. “We don't agree with the things written for a multitude of reasons, but mostly the undertones come across as discriminatory against trans people and prejudiced as well.”

Other Pressing Problems Facing the League

Regardless if one were to ignore these points and believe that including transgender athletes constitutes a real problem for the NWSL, it's difficult to see how it would outrank multiple of other issues that have actually blunted the growth and compromised its integrity.

• Working conditions for staff remain a problem. Several ex- San Diego Wave employees are taking legal action against the club and the league, alleging racial and disability discrimination, sexual harassment, and failure to stop prejudice.
• Player care is another issue. In May, Angel City defender Savy King collapsed on the field, requiring emergency medical treatment. On-field play continued, even though players were clearly distraught. The players' association called on the league to revisit their health procedures.
• Extreme weather protocols have additionally been challenged. During a nationally televised match, the league head allegedly warned to fine a club over a dispute in hot weather policies.
• Financial rivalry from leagues abroad like the WSL is increasing, luring 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 a single one of these issues. And it's improbable they will, regardless of whether Eddy's suggestions are implemented.