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During the end of October, Angel City FC athlete Elizabeth Eddy posted her initial social media post in nearly two years. In it, she responded to news that the National Women's Soccer League had quietly abandoned its inclusion policy for trans and intersex athletes, making the organization's future stance unclear.

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

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

The article broadly advocated for a prohibition on trans athletes from the NWSL to protect “the fairness of female athletics.”

Questioning the Real Risk

It remains uncertain how Eddy believes the NWSL's credibility has been harmed—either under its former policy that allowed trans athletes or its present absence of policy. The organization, now in its 13th season, has established a distinct identity. It's highly competitive, commercially and culturally powerful, and an essential part of the worldwide women's soccer scene.

Its growth trajectory seems largely strong—audience numbers have increased each year, and expansion to sixteen clubs is planned for 2026.

Analyzing the Data

Eddy cites the Football Association's new prohibition on transgender athletes as a positive example. Yet, that ban is thought to impact only 20 or so grassroots players out of 5.5 million registered athletes. The impact in the United States would likely be equally minimal.

Two years ago, when the league's policy of inclusion took effect, there were two transgender athletes: one player 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 welcomed its 1,000th participant. That's only two out trans players out of more than a thousand in the NWSL's existence.

Unfounded Concerns and Real Harm

Eddy's piece is framed as if there is a stream of trans players ready to take over the league imminently. There is no such thing. At present, there are no out trans players playing at a elite level in the United States. Federal legislation expressly prohibits transgender athletes from competing in NCAA college soccer. Additionally, numerous peer-reviewed studies have shown that transgender players have no inherent physical edge over cisgender competitors.

Without of out trans people, transphobic attacks have continued along ethnic divisions. When a club's Barbra Banda was named a top honor, she faced a surge of digital harassment. The NWSL was slow to respond in defending their key athlete. Likewise, Kansas City Current's Temwa Chawinga and her sister faced comparable mistreatment.

“The piece does not represent for our club in our dressing room,” Angel City FC captain Sarah Gorden informed the media. “We disagree with the things written for a multitude of reasons, but mostly the undertones come across as discriminatory against trans people and racist as well.”

Other Urgent Problems Facing the League

Even if one were to overlook all that and think that including transgender athletes constitutes a real problem for the league, it's hard to see how it would surpass multiple of different challenges that have actually hindered the growth and affected its reputation.

• Employment standards for professionals remain a concern. Several ex- club employees are suing the club and the league, alleging bias based on race and ability, unwanted advances, and negligence to stop prejudice.
• Athlete welfare is a further issue. In spring, a player Savy King collapsed on the pitch, requiring emergency medical treatment. The match continued, even though teammates were clearly distraught. The players' association called on the league to review their health procedures.
• Severe climate guidelines have additionally been challenged. During a nationally televised match, the league head allegedly threatened to penalize a club over a disagreement in hot weather policies.
• Economic competition from European leagues like the Women's Super League is increasing, attracting top talent away from the league and country where they made their careers.

Trans athletes were not involved into any one of these challenges. And it's improbable they will, regardless of whether the proposed changes come to pass.