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On the end of October, Angel City FC athlete Elizabeth Eddy posted her first social media post in nearly two years. In it, she responded to reports that the National Women's Soccer League had discreetly abandoned its policy of inclusion for trans and intersex players, leaving the league's future stance undecided.

The next day, her writing was republished completely by a different publication, providing wider attention.

“I worry that lacking clear guidelines about the league's intended participants, it will sacrifice its character and its momentum,” stated Eddy.

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

Questioning the Real Threat

It remains uncertain how Eddy thinks the NWSL's credibility has been damaged—whether under its former policy that permitted transgender players or its present lack of one. The league, now in its thirteenth year, has established a distinct identity. It's extremely contested, commercially and culturally powerful, and an integral part of the global female football landscape.

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

Examining the Data

Eddy references the Football Association's recent ban on trans players as a success story. Yet, that ban is thought to affect only approximately twenty amateur players out of millions soccer players. The impact in the United States would likely be similarly negligible.

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

Unfounded Fears and Real Harm

The article is written as if there is a pipeline of trans players ready to take over the league imminently. This is not the case. There are currently no openly transgender players competing at a professional level in the United States. Federal legislation expressly bans transgender athletes from competing in NCAA college soccer. Moreover, multiple peer-reviewed research have shown that transgender players have no biological advantages over cisgender competitors.

In the absence of out trans people, discriminatory behavior have persisted along racial lines. When Orlando Pride's Barbra Banda was named player of the year, she faced a wave of online abuse. The league was painfully slow in defending their key athlete. Likewise, Kansas City Current's Temwa Chawinga and her sister faced similar abuse.

“The piece does not represent for this team in our dressing room,” Angel City FC captain Sarah Gorden informed the media. “We don't agree with the content for a plethora of reasons, but primarily the undertones come across as transphobic and racist as well.”

Additional Pressing Issues Facing 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 outrank any number of other issues that have truly blunted the league's momentum and compromised its reputation.

• Working conditions for professionals continue to be a problem. Several ex- club employees are suing the club and the league, alleging bias based on race and ability, sexual harassment, and negligence to stop prejudice.
• Athlete welfare is a further area of concern. In spring, a player Savy King collapsed on the pitch, requiring emergency medical treatment. On-field play continued, despite teammates were visibly distraught. The players' association called on the NWSL to revisit their medical protocols.
• Extreme weather protocols have additionally been challenged. During a broadcast match, the NWSL commissioner reportedly threatened to penalize a club over a dispute in extreme heat procedures.
• Economic competition from leagues abroad like the Women's Super League is increasing, attracting top talent away from the NWSL and nation where they made their careers.

Transgender players were not involved into any one of these challenges. And it's improbable they will, irrespective of whether the proposed changes come to pass.