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On late October, Angel City FC player Elizabeth Eddy made her initial online statement 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 athletes, leaving the league's future stance undecided.

The following day, her writing was republished in full by a different publication, providing wider exposure.

“I worry that without clarity about the league's intended participants, it will lose its identity and its momentum,” Eddy wrote.

Her piece generally argued for a prohibition on trans athletes from the NWSL to protect “the integrity of women's sports.”

Questioning the Real Threat

It's unclear how Eddy thinks the league's credibility has been harmed—either under its former policy that permitted trans athletes or its current lack of one. The league, now in its thirteenth year, has established a clear brand. It's highly competitive, influential in business and culture, and an essential part of the worldwide women's soccer landscape.

Its growth trajectory seems mostly fine—audience numbers have increased each year, and expansion to 16 teams is planned for 2026.

Analyzing the Evidence

Eddy references the English FA's recent ban on trans players as a positive example. Yet, that restriction is thought to affect only 20 or so amateur participants out of 5.5 million registered athletes. The effect in the United States would likely be similarly negligible.

Two years ago, when the NWSL's trans inclusion policy took effect, there were two transgender athletes: one player and Kumi Yokoyama. Both have since left, and no openly transgender athletes presently play in the league. On the 2025 season's first matchdays, the league welcomed its 1,000th player. That's only two out trans players out of over 1,000 in the NWSL's existence.

Baseless Concerns and Real Harm

Eddy's piece is written as if there is a pipeline of trans players set to take over the NWSL imminently. This is not the case. There are currently no openly transgender players competing at a professional level in the United States. Federal legislation explicitly bans trans players from competing in university sports. Additionally, multiple scientifically reviewed studies have shown that trans athletes have no inherent physical edge over cis athletes.

In the absence of out trans people, transphobic attacks have persisted 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 defending their key athlete. Likewise, Kansas City Current's Temwa Chawinga and her sister faced similar mistreatment.

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

Additional Pressing Problems Confronting the NWSL

Even if one were to overlook these points and think that trans inclusion constitutes a genuine issue for the league, it's hard to see how it would surpass multiple of other issues that have actually hindered the growth and compromised its integrity.

• Employment standards for professionals continue to be a concern. Several ex- San Diego Wave employees are taking legal action against the club and the league, alleging racial and disability discrimination, unwanted advances, and failure to prevent discrimination.
• Player care is another area of concern. In May, Angel City defender Savy King fell on the field, requiring emergency medical treatment. On-field play resumed, despite players were visibly upset. The players' association called on the league to revisit their medical protocols.
• Severe climate guidelines have also been questioned. During a nationally televised match, the league head reportedly threatened to penalize a club over a disagreement in hot weather policies.
• Financial competition from leagues abroad like the Women's Super League is increasing, attracting top talent away from the league and nation where they made their careers.

Trans athletes were not involved into a single one of these issues. And it's unlikely they will, regardless of whether the proposed changes are implemented.