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During the end of October, Angel City FC player Elizabeth Eddy posted her initial social media post in nearly two years. In it, she responded to reports that the National Women's Soccer League had quietly abandoned its inclusion policy for trans and intersex players, making the league's position undecided.

The following day, her opinion piece was shared in full by another publication, providing wider exposure.

“I worry that lacking clear guidelines about who the league is for, it will sacrifice its character and its momentum,” Eddy wrote.

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

Examining the Real Threat

It's unclear how Eddy thinks the NWSL's integrity has been damaged—either under its former policy that allowed trans athletes or its current absence of policy. The league, now in its 13th season, has developed a clear brand. It's highly competitive, commercially and culturally powerful, and an integral part of the worldwide women's soccer landscape.

The league's momentum seems largely fine—audience numbers have grown each year, and growth to sixteen clubs is planned for 2026.

Examining the Data

Eddy references the Football Association's recent ban on trans players as a positive example. Yet, that restriction is thought to impact only approximately twenty amateur players out of 5.5 million registered athletes. The effect in the US would likely be similarly minimal.

In 2021, when the NWSL's policy of inclusion took effect, there were a couple transgender athletes: Quinn and Kumi Yokoyama. They have both departed, and no out trans players currently play in the league. On the 2025 season's opening weekend, the league celebrated its thousandth player. That's only two out trans players out of over 1,000 in the NWSL's existence.

Baseless Concerns and Actual Damage

Eddy's piece is framed as if there is a stream of transgender athletes set to dominate the NWSL at a moment's notice. This is not the case. At present, there are no openly transgender players playing at a professional level in the US. National laws explicitly prohibits trans players from participating in NCAA college soccer. Additionally, numerous scientifically reviewed studies have shown that transgender players have no biological advantages over cisgender competitors.

In the absence of out trans people, transphobic attacks have continued along ethnic divisions. When Orlando Pride's Barbra Banda was awarded player of the year, she faced a wave of digital harassment. The league was slow to respond in defending their star player. Likewise, another team's Temwa Chawinga and her sister have experienced similar mistreatment.

“The piece does not speak for this team in this locker room,” team leader Sarah Gorden informed reporters. “We don't agree with the things written for a multitude of reasons, but primarily the undertones come across as transphobic and racist as well.”

Additional Urgent Problems Confronting the NWSL

Regardless if one were to overlook these points and think that trans inclusion constitutes a genuine issue for the league, it's difficult to see how it would outrank any number of different challenges that have actually hindered the growth and compromised its integrity.

• Employment standards for professionals continue to be a concern. Six former San Diego Wave employees are suing the team and the league, alleging bias based on race and ability, unwanted advances, and negligence to stop prejudice.
• Player care is a further issue. In May, Angel City defender Savy King fell on the pitch, requiring urgent care. The match continued, even though teammates were visibly upset. The players' association called on the league to review their medical protocols.
• Severe climate guidelines have also been questioned. During a nationally televised match, the NWSL commissioner allegedly threatened to penalize a team over a dispute in extreme heat procedures.
• Financial rivalry from European leagues like the Women's Super League is increasing, attracting top talent away from the NWSL and country where they made their careers.

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