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On the end of October, Angel City FC athlete Elizabeth Eddy made her initial social media statement in nearly two years. In it, she addressed news that the National Women's Soccer League had quietly abandoned its policy of inclusion for transgender and intersex athletes, leaving the league's position undecided.

The next day, her opinion piece was shared in full by another publication, providing broader attention.

“I worry that without clarity about who the league is for, it will lose its identity and its growth,” Eddy wrote.

The article broadly advocated for a prohibition on transgender players 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 damaged—whether under its former policy that permitted trans athletes or its current lack of one. The organization, now in its thirteenth year, has developed a distinct identity. It's extremely contested, commercially and culturally powerful, and an integral part of the worldwide women's soccer scene.

Its growth trajectory appears mostly strong—viewership have increased each year, and expansion to sixteen clubs is planned for 2026.

Examining the Data

Eddy cites the English FA's new prohibition on trans players as a positive example. However, that ban is believed to impact only 20 or so grassroots players out of 5.5 million registered athletes. The effect in the US would likely be equally negligible.

Two years ago, when the NWSL's trans inclusion policy was implemented, there were two transgender athletes: Quinn and Kumi Yokoyama. They have both departed, and no openly transgender athletes presently play in the league. On the 2025 season's first matchdays, the NWSL celebrated its 1,000th participant. That's just two out trans players out of over 1,000 in league history.

Baseless Fears and Real Damage

The article is written as if there is a stream of transgender athletes set to dominate the league at a moment's notice. This is not the case. There are currently no out trans players playing at a elite level in the US. National laws explicitly prohibits transgender athletes from participating in NCAA college soccer. Moreover, numerous scientifically reviewed studies have shown that trans athletes have no biological advantages over cis athletes.

Without of out trans people, discriminatory behavior have continued along racial lines. When Orlando Pride's Barbra Banda was awarded player of the year, 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 have experienced similar abuse.

“The piece does not represent for our club in our dressing room,” team leader Sarah Gorden told the media. “We disagree with the content for a plethora of causes, but primarily the implications come across as transphobic and prejudiced as well.”

Additional Pressing Issues Confronting the League

Regardless if one were to overlook all that and think that trans inclusion constitutes a real problem for the league, it's difficult to see how it would surpass multiple of different challenges that have actually blunted the league's momentum and compromised its reputation.

• Employment standards for staff remain a concern. Several ex- club employees are suing the team and the league, alleging racial and disability discrimination, sexual harassment, and negligence to stop discrimination.
• Player care is another issue. In spring, Angel City defender Savy King fell on the field, requiring emergency medical treatment. The match resumed, even though teammates were visibly upset. The players' association called on the league to revisit their health procedures.
• Severe climate guidelines have additionally been challenged. During a broadcast match, the league head reportedly threatened to fine a team over a disagreement in extreme heat procedures.
• Economic rivalry from European leagues like the Women's Super League is increasing, attracting some of the NWSL's best players away from the league and nation where they made their careers.

Trans athletes did not factor into a single one of these challenges. And it's improbable they will, regardless of whether Eddy's suggestions are implemented.