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During the end of October, ACFC athlete Elizabeth Eddy posted her first social media statement in nearly two years. In it, she addressed news that the NWSL had quietly dropped its policy of inclusion for transgender and intersex players, making the league's position undecided.

The next day, her writing was republished in full by a different media outlet, giving it wider attention.

“I'm concerned that without clarity about who the league is for, it will lose its identity and its momentum,” stated Eddy.

The article broadly advocated for a prohibition on transgender players from the NWSL to protect “the fairness of female athletics.”

Questioning the Actual Risk

It remains uncertain how Eddy believes the NWSL's integrity has been harmed—whether under its previous guidelines that permitted transgender players or its current lack of one. The league, now in its 13th season, has developed a distinct identity. It's highly competitive, commercially and culturally powerful, and an integral part of the global women's soccer landscape.

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

Examining the Evidence

Eddy cites the English FA's new prohibition on transgender athletes as a success story. However, that restriction is believed to impact only 20 or so amateur participants out of millions soccer players. The effect in the US would likely be equally minimal.

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

Baseless Fears and Real Harm

Eddy's piece is framed as if there is a pipeline of transgender athletes ready to take over the league imminently. There is no such thing. There are currently no openly transgender players playing at a professional level in the US. National laws expressly prohibits transgender athletes from competing in NCAA college soccer. Additionally, numerous peer-reviewed research have shown that transgender players have no inherent physical edge over cis athletes.

Without of out trans people, transphobic attacks have persisted along racial lines. When a club's Barbra Banda was awarded a top honor, she faced a wave of online abuse. The league was slow to respond in supporting their star player. Similarly, Kansas City Current's Temwa Chawinga and her sister faced comparable abuse.

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

Additional Urgent Problems Confronting the NWSL

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

• Working conditions for professionals continue to be a problem. Several ex- San Diego Wave employees are taking legal action against the team and the NWSL, alleging racial and disability discrimination, unwanted advances, and failure to stop prejudice.
• Player care is another area of concern. In spring, Angel City defender Savy King collapsed on the field, requiring urgent care. The match continued, even though teammates were clearly distraught. The NWSLPA called on the league to review their medical protocols.
• Severe climate guidelines have additionally been questioned. During a nationally televised match, the NWSL commissioner reportedly warned to fine a team over a dispute in extreme heat procedures.
• Financial competition from leagues abroad like the WSL is increasing, luring top talent away from the league and country where they built their professional lives.

Trans athletes were not involved into any one of these issues. And it's unlikely they will, regardless of whether the proposed changes come to pass.