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During the end of October, Angel City FC athlete Elizabeth Eddy posted her initial online post in nearly two years. Within her message, she responded to news that the NWSL had discreetly abandoned its policy of inclusion for trans and intersex athletes, making the organization's future stance unclear.

The following day, her writing was shared in full by another media outlet, providing broader exposure.

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

Her piece broadly advocated for a ban on transgender players from the NWSL to preserve “the integrity of female athletics.”

Questioning the Actual Risk

It remains uncertain how Eddy believes the NWSL's integrity has been damaged—either under its previous guidelines that allowed trans athletes or its current lack of one. The organization, now in its thirteenth year, has developed a distinct identity. It's extremely contested, influential in business and culture, and an integral part of the worldwide women's soccer scene.

Its growth trajectory appears largely strong—audience numbers have increased each year, and growth to 16 teams is scheduled for 2026.

Analyzing the Evidence

Eddy cites the Football Association's recent ban on transgender athletes as a positive example. However, that restriction is thought to affect only 20 or so amateur participants out of millions soccer players. The impact in the United States would likely be similarly minimal.

In 2021, when the league's trans inclusion policy was implemented, there were two transgender athletes: one player and Kumi Yokoyama. Both have since left, and no openly transgender athletes currently play in the NWSL. On the 2025 season's first matchdays, the NWSL celebrated its thousandth player. That's just two out trans players out of more than a thousand in league history.

Unfounded Fears and Real Damage

Eddy's piece is written as if there is a stream of trans players ready to take over the NWSL at a moment's notice. There is no such thing. At present, there are no out trans players competing at a elite level in the US. National laws explicitly bans trans players from participating in university sports. Moreover, numerous scientifically reviewed studies have demonstrated that trans athletes have no inherent physical edge over cisgender competitors.

Without of out trans people, transphobic attacks have continued along racial lines. When Orlando Pride's Barbra Banda was awarded a top honor, she faced a surge of online abuse. The league was painfully slow in defending their key athlete. Similarly, Kansas City Current's Temwa Chawinga and her sister have experienced comparable abuse.

“That article does not speak for our club in this locker room,” team leader Sarah Gorden told the media. “We disagree with the content for a multitude of causes, but primarily the undertones come across as transphobic and racist as well.”

Additional Pressing Problems Confronting the League

Regardless if one were to overlook all that and think that including transgender athletes represents a genuine issue for the league, 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 integrity.

• Employment standards for staff continue to be a problem. Several ex- club employees are taking legal action against the club and the NWSL, alleging bias based on race and ability, unwanted advances, and negligence to prevent discrimination.
• Player care is another area of concern. In May, a player Savy King collapsed on the pitch, requiring emergency medical treatment. On-field play continued, despite players were visibly distraught. The NWSLPA called on the NWSL to review their health procedures.
• Extreme weather protocols have also been questioned. During a nationally televised match, the league head reportedly warned to fine a club over a dispute in extreme heat procedures.
• Financial competition from European leagues like the WSL is increasing, luring some of the NWSL's best players away from the league and country where they built their professional lives.

Transgender players did not factor into any one of these challenges. And it's unlikely they will, regardless of whether the proposed changes come to pass.