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On late October, ACFC player Elizabeth Eddy made her first social media post in almost two years. Within her message, she responded to reports that the National Women's Soccer League had quietly dropped its inclusion policy for transgender and intersex players, leaving the league's future stance unclear.

The next day, her writing was republished completely by another publication, giving it broader exposure.

“I'm concerned that lacking clear guidelines about who the league is for, it will lose its identity and its momentum,” stated Eddy.

Her piece generally argued for a prohibition on trans athletes from the NWSL to protect “the fairness of women's sports.”

Examining the Real Threat

It's unclear how Eddy thinks the league's credibility has been harmed—whether under its former policy that allowed trans athletes or its current absence of policy. The league, now in its thirteenth year, has developed a clear identity. It's highly competitive, influential in business and culture, and an integral part of the worldwide women's soccer landscape.

The league's momentum appears mostly fine—viewership have increased every season, and expansion to 16 teams is planned for 2026.

Examining the Data

Eddy references the Football Association's new prohibition on trans players as a success story. However, that ban is thought to affect only 20 or so amateur players out of millions registered athletes. The effect in the US would likely be similarly negligible.

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

Unfounded Concerns and Actual Harm

Eddy's piece is written as if there is a pipeline of transgender athletes ready to take over the league at a moment's notice. This is not the case. There are currently no openly transgender players competing at a professional level in the United States. Federal legislation explicitly prohibits transgender athletes from participating in NCAA college soccer. Additionally, numerous peer-reviewed research have shown that transgender players have no biological advantages over cis athletes.

Without of openly transgender individuals, discriminatory behavior have continued along ethnic divisions. When a club's Barbra Banda was named player of the year, she faced a surge of online abuse. The NWSL was slow to respond in supporting their key athlete. Similarly, another team's Temwa Chawinga and her sister have experienced comparable mistreatment.

“That article 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 things written for a multitude of causes, but mostly the implications come across as discriminatory against trans people and racist as well.”

Other Pressing Issues Facing the League

Regardless if one were to overlook all that and believe that including transgender athletes represents a genuine issue for the league, it's difficult to see how it would outrank multiple of other issues that have truly hindered the growth and affected its integrity.

• Employment standards for staff continue to be a problem. 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 negligence to prevent discrimination.
• Athlete welfare is another area of concern. In spring, a player Savy King collapsed on the pitch, requiring urgent care. On-field play continued, even though teammates were clearly upset. The NWSLPA called on the NWSL to review their medical protocols.
• Extreme weather protocols have also been questioned. During a broadcast match, the league head allegedly warned to fine a club over a dispute in extreme heat procedures.
• Financial rivalry from leagues abroad like the Women's Super League is growing, attracting some of the NWSL's best players away from the NWSL and country where they built their professional lives.

Transgender players were not involved into a single one of these issues. And it's unlikely they will, irrespective of whether the proposed changes are implemented.