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On late October, Angel City FC player Elizabeth Eddy posted her first social media statement in almost two years. In it, she responded to reports that the NWSL had quietly dropped its inclusion policy for trans and intersex athletes, leaving the league's position undecided.

The following day, her writing was shared completely by another publication, giving it wider attention.

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

The article generally argued for a prohibition on trans athletes from the NWSL to preserve “the fairness of women's sports.”

Examining the Actual Threat

It remains uncertain how Eddy thinks the NWSL's integrity has been harmed—whether under its previous guidelines that allowed trans athletes or its current absence of policy. The league, now in its 13th season, has established a clear identity. It's extremely contested, influential in business and culture, and an essential part of the worldwide women's soccer scene.

Its growth trajectory seems mostly strong—viewership have grown each year, and expansion to sixteen clubs is scheduled for the coming years.

Examining the Evidence

Eddy cites the English FA's new prohibition on transgender athletes as a success story. However, that restriction is thought to impact only approximately twenty grassroots participants out of millions registered athletes. The impact in the United States would likely be similarly negligible.

In 2021, when the NWSL's trans inclusion policy was implemented, there were a couple trans players: one player and Kumi Yokoyama. They have both departed, and no out trans players presently compete in the league. On the 2025 season's opening weekend, the league celebrated its 1,000th player. That's only two openly transgender individuals out of over 1,000 in league history.

Unfounded Concerns and Real Damage

The article is framed as if there is a stream of trans players ready to dominate the NWSL imminently. There is no such thing. There are currently no openly transgender players competing at a elite level in the United States. National laws explicitly bans transgender athletes from participating in NCAA college soccer. Moreover, numerous scientifically reviewed studies have demonstrated that trans athletes have no biological advantages over cisgender competitors.

In the absence of openly transgender individuals, discriminatory behavior have persisted along ethnic divisions. When Orlando Pride's Barbra Banda was awarded a top honor, she faced a wave 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 abuse.

“That article does not represent for our club in our dressing room,” team leader Sarah Gorden informed reporters. “We disagree with the content for a multitude of reasons, but primarily the implications come across as transphobic and racist as well.”

Additional Pressing Issues Confronting the League

Regardless if one were to overlook all that and believe that trans inclusion constitutes a real problem for the league, it's hard to see how it would surpass multiple of other issues that have truly hindered the growth and compromised its integrity.

• Working conditions for staff remain a problem. Six former club employees are taking legal action against the team and the NWSL, alleging racial and disability discrimination, sexual harassment, and negligence to stop prejudice.
• Player care is another area of concern. In May, Angel City defender Savy King collapsed on the field, requiring urgent care. On-field play resumed, despite players were clearly distraught. The NWSLPA called on the league to revisit their medical protocols.
• Severe climate guidelines have additionally been challenged. During a broadcast match, the league head allegedly warned to penalize a team over a dispute in extreme heat procedures.
• Financial competition from European leagues like the Women's Super League is increasing, luring top talent away from the NWSL 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, irrespective of whether Eddy's suggestions are implemented.