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On the end of October, ACFC athlete Elizabeth Eddy posted her first online post in almost two years. In it, she responded to news that the National Women's Soccer League had quietly abandoned its policy of inclusion for transgender and intersex players, leaving the league's position undecided.

The next day, her opinion piece was republished completely by another media outlet, providing broader 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 generally argued for a ban on trans athletes from the league to protect “the fairness of female athletics.”

Questioning the Real Threat

It's unclear how Eddy believes the league's credibility has been damaged—whether under its former policy that allowed trans athletes or its present absence of policy. The organization, now in its thirteenth year, has established a clear identity. It's extremely contested, commercially and culturally powerful, and an essential part of the global female football landscape.

Its growth trajectory seems mostly fine—viewership have increased every season, and growth to 16 teams is planned for the coming years.

Examining the Evidence

Eddy references the Football Association's recent ban on transgender athletes as a positive example. Yet, that ban is thought to affect only approximately twenty amateur participants out of 5.5 million soccer players. The effect in the US would likely be equally negligible.

Two years ago, when the league's trans inclusion policy was implemented, there were two trans players: one player and Kumi Yokoyama. Both have since left, and no out trans players presently play in the league. On the 2025 season's opening weekend, the league welcomed its 1,000th participant. That's only two out trans players out of over 1,000 in the NWSL's existence.

Unfounded Concerns and Real Harm

The article is written as if there is a pipeline of transgender athletes ready to dominate the league at a moment's notice. There is no such thing. At present, there are no openly transgender players competing at a professional level in the United States. National laws explicitly prohibits transgender athletes from competing in university sports. Additionally, multiple scientifically reviewed research have shown that trans athletes have no biological advantages over cis athletes.

Without of openly transgender individuals, transphobic attacks have persisted along racial lines. When Orlando Pride's Barbra Banda was named a top honor, she experienced a wave of digital harassment. The league was painfully slow in defending their star player. Likewise, Kansas City Current's Temwa Chawinga and her sister faced similar mistreatment.

“The piece does not represent for this team in our dressing room,” Angel City FC captain Sarah Gorden told reporters. “We disagree with the content for a multitude of reasons, but primarily the implications come across as transphobic and racist as well.”

Additional Pressing Problems Confronting the League

Regardless if one were to ignore all that and believe that including transgender athletes constitutes a genuine issue for the NWSL, it's difficult to see how it would outrank multiple of different challenges that have actually blunted the growth and compromised its integrity.

• Working conditions for staff continue to be a concern. Several ex- San Diego Wave employees are taking legal action against the club and the NWSL, alleging bias based on race and ability, sexual harassment, and failure to stop prejudice.
• Player care is another issue. In spring, Angel City defender Savy King collapsed on the field, requiring urgent care. The match continued, even though players were clearly distraught. The NWSLPA called on the NWSL to revisit their health procedures.
• Severe climate guidelines have additionally been questioned. During a nationally televised match, the league head reportedly threatened to fine a team over a disagreement in hot weather policies.
• Economic competition from European leagues like the WSL is growing, attracting top talent away from the league and country where they built their professional lives.

Transgender players were not involved into a single one of these challenges. And it's unlikely they will, regardless of whether the proposed changes come to pass.