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On late October, ACFC player Elizabeth Eddy posted her first social media post in almost two years. In it, she responded to reports that the NWSL had discreetly abandoned its policy of inclusion for transgender and intersex players, leaving the organization's future stance undecided.

The next day, her opinion piece was shared completely by another publication, providing wider attention.

“I worry that without clarity about the league's intended participants, it will lose its identity and its growth,” Eddy wrote.

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

Questioning the Real Risk

It remains uncertain how Eddy believes the NWSL's credibility has been damaged—either under its previous guidelines that permitted transgender players or its present absence of policy. The league, now in its 13th season, has developed a distinct identity. It's highly competitive, commercially and culturally powerful, and an essential part of the worldwide women's soccer landscape.

Its growth trajectory appears mostly strong—audience numbers have grown every season, and growth to 16 teams is scheduled for the coming years.

Analyzing the Data

Eddy references the English FA's recent ban on transgender athletes as a positive example. However, that ban is believed to impact only approximately twenty grassroots players out of millions registered athletes. The impact in the United States would likely be similarly minimal.

Two years ago, when the league's policy of inclusion was implemented, there were a couple transgender athletes: one player and Kumi Yokoyama. They have both departed, and no openly transgender athletes presently compete in the league. On the 2025 season's opening weekend, the NWSL celebrated its thousandth player. That's only two out trans players out of more than a thousand in league history.

Unfounded Fears and Real Damage

The article is framed as if there is a stream of transgender athletes ready to dominate the NWSL at a moment's notice. There is no such thing. There are currently no openly transgender players playing at a elite level in the United States. National laws expressly prohibits trans players from competing in university sports. Moreover, multiple scientifically reviewed research have shown that trans athletes have no inherent physical edge over cisgender competitors.

In the absence of out trans people, transphobic attacks have continued along racial lines. When Orlando Pride's Barbra Banda was awarded player of the year, she experienced a surge of online abuse. The NWSL was painfully slow in defending their key athlete. Similarly, Kansas City Current's Temwa Chawinga and her sister have experienced comparable mistreatment.

“That article does not speak for our club in our dressing room,” Angel City FC captain Sarah Gorden informed the media. “We disagree with the content for a multitude of causes, but primarily the undertones come across as discriminatory against trans people and racist as well.”

Additional Urgent Issues Confronting the League

Regardless if one were to overlook all that and think that trans inclusion constitutes a genuine issue for the NWSL, it's hard to see how it would outrank any number of different challenges that have actually hindered the league's momentum and compromised its reputation.

• Employment standards for professionals continue to be a concern. Several ex- San Diego Wave employees are suing the team and the league, alleging bias based on race and ability, sexual harassment, and failure to stop prejudice.
• Athlete welfare is a further area of concern. In May, a player Savy King collapsed on the pitch, requiring emergency medical treatment. The match continued, even though players were visibly distraught. The players' association called on the NWSL to revisit their health procedures.
• Extreme weather guidelines have also been challenged. During a broadcast match, the league head reportedly warned to fine a team over a disagreement in extreme heat procedures.
• Economic competition from leagues abroad like the Women's Super League is growing, luring some of the NWSL's best players away from the NWSL and nation where they made their careers.

Trans athletes did not factor into a single one of these challenges. And it's improbable they will, regardless of whether Eddy's suggestions are implemented.