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On the end of October, Angel City FC athlete Elizabeth Eddy posted her initial online statement in almost two years. Within her message, she addressed reports that the NWSL had quietly dropped its policy of inclusion for transgender and intersex athletes, leaving the organization's position unclear.

The next day, her opinion piece was shared completely by another publication, providing broader exposure.

“I worry that lacking clear guidelines about the league's intended participants, it will sacrifice its character and its momentum,” stated Eddy.

Her piece generally argued for a ban on trans athletes from the NWSL to protect “the fairness of female athletics.”

Examining the Real Threat

It's unclear how Eddy believes the NWSL's credibility has been harmed—whether under its former policy that allowed trans athletes or its current lack of one. The league, now in its thirteenth year, has established a distinct brand. It's highly competitive, influential in business and culture, and an essential part of the worldwide female football scene.

Its growth trajectory appears largely fine—audience numbers have grown each year, and growth to 16 teams is planned for 2026.

Examining the Data

Eddy cites the English FA's new prohibition on trans players as a success story. Yet, that restriction is thought to affect only 20 or so grassroots participants out of millions registered athletes. The impact in the United States would likely be similarly minimal.

In 2021, when the league's policy of inclusion took effect, there were two transgender athletes: Quinn and Kumi Yokoyama. Both have since left, and no openly transgender athletes presently compete in the league. On the 2025 season's opening weekend, the NWSL welcomed its thousandth participant. That's just two out trans players out of over 1,000 in league history.

Baseless Fears and Real Harm

Eddy's piece is written as if there is a pipeline of transgender athletes ready to take over the NWSL imminently. This is not the case. At present, there are no openly transgender players competing at a professional level in the United States. Federal legislation explicitly prohibits transgender athletes from competing in NCAA college soccer. Additionally, numerous peer-reviewed research have demonstrated that trans athletes have no inherent physical edge over cis athletes.

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

“The piece does not represent for our club in our dressing room,” team leader Sarah Gorden informed the media. “We don't agree with the content for a plethora of reasons, but mostly the implications come across as transphobic and racist as well.”

Other Urgent Issues Confronting the NWSL

Even if one were to overlook all that and think that including transgender athletes constitutes a real problem for the league, it's hard to see how it would surpass any number of other issues that have truly blunted the growth and affected its integrity.

• Employment standards for staff continue to be a problem. Six former San Diego Wave employees are taking legal action against the club and the league, alleging racial and disability discrimination, unwanted advances, and negligence to stop discrimination.
• Athlete welfare is another area of concern. In May, a player Savy King fell on the field, requiring urgent care. On-field play resumed, despite teammates were visibly upset. The players' association called on the league to review their medical protocols.
• Severe climate protocols have additionally been questioned. During a broadcast match, the league head reportedly warned to fine a club over a disagreement in extreme heat procedures.
• Financial competition from European leagues like the Women's Super League is increasing, attracting top talent away from the league and nation where they built their professional lives.

Transgender players were not involved into a single one of these challenges. And it's unlikely they will, regardless of whether the proposed changes come to pass.