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

The following day, her opinion piece was shared completely by a different publication, providing wider exposure.

“I'm concerned that without clarity about the league's intended participants, it will sacrifice its identity and its growth,” stated Eddy.

Her piece generally argued for a ban on transgender players from the NWSL to preserve “the integrity of women's sports.”

Questioning the Real Risk

It remains uncertain how Eddy believes the league's integrity has been harmed—either under its previous guidelines that allowed transgender players or its present lack of one. The league, now in its 13th season, has established a clear brand. It's highly competitive, influential in business and culture, and an essential part of the global women's soccer scene.

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

Examining the Evidence

Eddy references the Football Association's recent ban on transgender athletes as a positive example. However, that ban is thought to impact only approximately twenty amateur participants out of millions soccer players. The effect in the United States would likely be similarly negligible.

In 2021, when the league's trans inclusion policy took effect, there were two trans players: one player and Kumi Yokoyama. They have both departed, and no openly transgender athletes currently play in the league. On the 2025 season's opening weekend, the league celebrated its thousandth player. That's only two openly transgender individuals out of over 1,000 in league history.

Unfounded Concerns and Real Damage

The article is written as if there is a stream of trans players set to take over the league imminently. There is no such thing. At present, there are no out trans players playing at a professional level in the US. National laws expressly prohibits transgender athletes from competing in NCAA college soccer. Additionally, numerous scientifically reviewed research have demonstrated that transgender players have no inherent physical edge over cis athletes.

In the absence of out trans people, discriminatory behavior have continued along racial lines. When a club's Barbra Banda was awarded a top honor, she faced a wave of online abuse. The NWSL was painfully slow in supporting their key athlete. Likewise, Kansas City Current's Temwa Chawinga and her sister faced similar mistreatment.

“That article does not represent for our club in our dressing room,” team leader Sarah Gorden informed reporters. “We don't agree with the things written for a plethora of causes, but primarily the implications come across as transphobic and racist as well.”

Other Pressing Problems Facing the League

Even if one were to overlook all that and believe that including transgender athletes represents a real problem for the NWSL, it's hard to see how it would outrank multiple of other issues that have actually hindered the growth and compromised its reputation.

• Working conditions for staff continue to be a concern. Six former club employees are suing the club and the NWSL, alleging racial and disability discrimination, unwanted advances, and negligence to prevent prejudice.
• Athlete welfare is a further area of concern. In spring, Angel City defender Savy King fell on the field, requiring emergency medical treatment. On-field play resumed, even though teammates were visibly upset. The players' association called on the NWSL to review their health procedures.
• Extreme weather protocols have additionally been challenged. During a nationally televised match, the league head reportedly threatened to fine a team over a dispute in extreme heat procedures.
• Economic rivalry from European leagues like the Women's Super League is growing, attracting some of the NWSL's best players 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 improbable they will, regardless of whether the proposed changes are implemented.