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During late October, ACFC athlete Elizabeth Eddy posted her first social media post in almost two years. In it, she addressed news that the NWSL had discreetly abandoned its inclusion policy for trans and intersex athletes, making the league's position undecided.

The following day, her writing was shared completely by a different media outlet, giving it broader exposure.

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

Her piece generally argued for a ban on transgender players from the league to preserve “the fairness of female athletics.”

Questioning the Actual Risk

It remains uncertain how Eddy believes the league's integrity has been damaged—either under its former policy that allowed trans athletes or its current lack of one. The league, now in its 13th season, has established a clear identity. It's highly competitive, influential in business and culture, and an integral part of the worldwide female football scene.

The league's momentum seems largely strong—viewership have grown each year, and growth to 16 teams is scheduled for the coming years.

Examining the Evidence

Eddy references the English FA's recent ban on transgender athletes as a success story. However, that ban is thought to impact only 20 or so grassroots participants out of millions registered athletes. The impact in the United States would likely be equally minimal.

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

Baseless Fears and Real Damage

Eddy's piece is framed as if there is a pipeline of transgender athletes set to take over the NWSL imminently. There is no such thing. At present, there are no out trans players competing at a elite level in the US. National laws expressly prohibits transgender athletes from competing in NCAA college soccer. Moreover, numerous peer-reviewed studies have demonstrated that transgender players have no inherent physical edge over cis athletes.

In the absence of out trans people, transphobic attacks have persisted along ethnic divisions. When Orlando Pride's Barbra Banda was named player of the year, she experienced a surge of digital harassment. The NWSL was painfully slow in defending their star player. Likewise, another team'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 informed the media. “We don't agree with the things written for a multitude of causes, but primarily the implications come across as discriminatory against trans people and prejudiced as well.”

Other Pressing Problems Confronting the League

Even if one were to ignore all that and believe that trans inclusion constitutes a genuine issue for the NWSL, it's hard to see how it would surpass any number of different challenges that have actually blunted the growth and compromised its reputation.

• Employment standards for staff continue to be a problem. Several ex- club employees are suing the team and the NWSL, alleging bias based on race and ability, sexual harassment, and failure to prevent discrimination.
• Athlete welfare is another area of concern. In May, a player Savy King fell on the pitch, requiring emergency medical treatment. On-field play continued, even though teammates were visibly distraught. The players' association called on the NWSL to revisit their health procedures.
• Extreme weather guidelines have additionally been challenged. During a broadcast match, the NWSL commissioner reportedly threatened to penalize a club over a disagreement in extreme heat procedures.
• Financial rivalry from leagues abroad like the WSL is increasing, attracting top talent away from the NWSL and nation where they made their careers.

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