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On the end of October, ACFC athlete Elizabeth Eddy posted her initial social media post in nearly two years. Within her message, she responded to reports that the National Women's Soccer League had quietly dropped its policy of inclusion for trans and intersex players, making the organization's position unclear.

The next day, her opinion piece was republished completely by another publication, providing wider exposure.

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

The article generally argued for a ban on transgender players from the NWSL to protect “the fairness of women's sports.”

Examining the Actual Risk

It remains uncertain how Eddy thinks the NWSL's integrity has been damaged—either under its former policy that allowed transgender players or its present lack of one. The organization, now in its 13th season, has developed a clear identity. It's extremely contested, influential in business and culture, and an integral part of the global female football landscape.

The league's momentum seems mostly fine—viewership have grown each year, and growth to 16 teams is planned for the coming years.

Analyzing the Data

Eddy cites the English FA's recent ban on trans players as a success story. Yet, that ban is thought to affect only 20 or so amateur players 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. Both have since left, 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 out trans players out of over 1,000 in the NWSL's existence.

Unfounded Concerns and Actual Harm

The article is written as if there is a pipeline of transgender athletes ready to dominate the league at a moment's notice. There is no such thing. There are currently no out trans players competing at a professional level in the US. Federal legislation explicitly bans transgender athletes from participating in NCAA college soccer. Moreover, multiple peer-reviewed studies have demonstrated that transgender players have no biological advantages over cisgender competitors.

In the absence of out trans people, transphobic attacks have continued along ethnic divisions. When Orlando Pride's Barbra Banda was named a top honor, she experienced a surge of digital harassment. The NWSL was slow to respond in defending their star player. Likewise, Kansas City Current's Temwa Chawinga and her sister have experienced comparable mistreatment.

“The piece does not speak for this team in our dressing room,” Angel City FC captain Sarah Gorden informed reporters. “We don't agree with the content for a plethora of causes, but primarily the undertones come across as discriminatory against trans people and racist as well.”

Additional Pressing Issues Facing the League

Regardless if one were to ignore these points and believe that including transgender athletes represents a genuine issue for the NWSL, it's difficult to see how it would outrank multiple of different challenges that have actually blunted the growth and compromised its reputation.

• Employment standards 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 prevent discrimination.
• Player care is another issue. In May, a player Savy King fell on the field, requiring urgent care. The match continued, despite teammates were clearly upset. The NWSLPA called on the NWSL to review their medical protocols.
• Severe climate guidelines have additionally been questioned. During a broadcast match, the league head allegedly warned to fine a team over a dispute in extreme heat procedures.
• Economic rivalry from European leagues like the Women's Super League is increasing, luring some of the NWSL's best players away from the league and country where they built their professional lives.

Trans athletes did not factor into a single one of these issues. And it's improbable they will, regardless of whether the proposed changes come to pass.