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During the end of October, Angel City FC player Elizabeth Eddy posted her initial social media post in almost two years. Within her message, she responded to reports that the National Women's Soccer League had discreetly dropped its inclusion policy for transgender and intersex players, leaving the organization's position unclear.

The following day, her writing was republished in full by a different media outlet, giving it broader attention.

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

Her piece broadly advocated for a ban on transgender players from the NWSL to protect “the fairness of women's sports.”

Examining the Real Threat

It remains uncertain how Eddy thinks the NWSL's integrity has been harmed—whether under its former policy that allowed transgender players or its current lack of one. The organization, now in its thirteenth year, has established a clear brand. It's highly competitive, influential in business and culture, and an integral part of the global female football landscape.

Its growth trajectory appears mostly fine—audience numbers have increased each year, and expansion to sixteen clubs is scheduled for the coming years.

Analyzing the Evidence

Eddy cites the Football Association's recent ban on transgender athletes as a success story. However, that ban is believed to impact only approximately twenty amateur players out of millions registered athletes. The impact in the US would likely be equally negligible.

Two years ago, when the league's trans inclusion policy took effect, there were two trans players: one player and Kumi Yokoyama. Both have since left, and no openly transgender athletes currently compete in the league. On the 2025 season's opening weekend, the NWSL celebrated its thousandth player. That's just two openly transgender individuals out of more than a thousand in league history.

Baseless Fears and Actual Damage

The article is framed as if there is a stream of transgender athletes ready to dominate the league imminently. This is not the case. There are currently no openly transgender players playing at a professional level in the United States. National laws explicitly bans trans players from competing in university sports. Moreover, numerous peer-reviewed studies have shown that trans athletes have no biological advantages over cis athletes.

In the absence of out trans people, discriminatory behavior have continued along ethnic divisions. When Orlando Pride's Barbra Banda was awarded a top honor, she faced a surge of digital harassment. The NWSL was slow to respond in supporting their key athlete. Likewise, Kansas City Current's Temwa Chawinga and her sister faced comparable abuse.

“The piece does not speak for this team in our dressing room,” team leader Sarah Gorden informed reporters. “We disagree with the content for a multitude of causes, but primarily the undertones come across as transphobic and prejudiced as well.”

Other Pressing Issues Facing the League

Regardless if one were to ignore these points and believe that trans inclusion represents a real problem for the NWSL, it's hard to see how it would surpass any number of different challenges that have actually blunted the growth and affected its reputation.

• Employment standards for staff continue to be a problem. Six former San Diego Wave employees are taking legal action against the team and the league, alleging racial and disability discrimination, unwanted advances, and negligence to prevent prejudice.
• Athlete welfare is another area of concern. In spring, Angel City defender Savy King fell on the field, requiring urgent care. On-field play resumed, despite teammates were visibly distraught. The NWSLPA called on the NWSL to revisit their health procedures.
• Severe climate protocols have also been questioned. During a broadcast match, the league head reportedly warned to fine a club over a disagreement in extreme heat procedures.
• Economic competition from European leagues like the WSL is increasing, luring top talent away from the NWSL and nation where they made their careers.

Trans athletes did not factor into a single one of these issues. And it's unlikely they will, irrespective of whether Eddy's suggestions come to pass.