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On the end of October, Angel City FC player Elizabeth Eddy made her first social media post in almost two years. Within her message, she responded to reports that the NWSL had quietly abandoned its inclusion policy for transgender and intersex athletes, making the organization's position undecided.

The following day, her writing was shared completely by another media outlet, giving it broader exposure.

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

Her piece broadly advocated for a prohibition on transgender players from the league to preserve “the fairness of women's sports.”

Examining the Actual Threat

It remains uncertain how Eddy thinks the league's credibility has been harmed—whether under its previous guidelines that permitted transgender players or its current absence of policy. The league, now in its thirteenth year, has developed a distinct 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 strong—audience numbers have increased each year, and growth to 16 teams is scheduled for 2026.

Examining the Data

Eddy references the Football Association's recent ban on trans players as a positive example. However, that ban is thought to affect only 20 or so grassroots players out of 5.5 million soccer players. The effect in the United States would likely be equally minimal.

Two years ago, when the NWSL's trans inclusion policy was implemented, there were two transgender athletes: one player and Kumi Yokoyama. They have both departed, and no openly transgender athletes currently compete in the NWSL. On the current season's opening weekend, the NWSL welcomed its thousandth participant. That's just two openly transgender individuals out of over 1,000 in league history.

Baseless Concerns and Actual Harm

Eddy's piece is written as if there is a pipeline of transgender athletes ready to take over the NWSL imminently. There is no such thing. At present, there are no out trans players competing at a professional level in the United States. Federal legislation expressly prohibits transgender athletes from participating in university sports. Additionally, multiple scientifically reviewed studies have demonstrated that trans athletes have no biological advantages over cis athletes.

In the absence of openly transgender individuals, discriminatory behavior have persisted along ethnic divisions. When Orlando Pride's Barbra Banda was named player of the year, she experienced a wave of online abuse. The NWSL was slow to respond in defending their key athlete. Likewise, another team's Temwa Chawinga and her sister faced similar mistreatment.

“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 mostly the implications come across as discriminatory against trans people and racist as well.”

Other Pressing Issues Facing the NWSL

Regardless if one were to ignore these points and think that trans inclusion constitutes a genuine issue for the league, it's difficult to see how it would outrank any number of other issues that have actually hindered the league's momentum and affected its integrity.

• Working conditions for professionals continue to be a concern. Several ex- club employees are suing the team and the league, alleging bias based on race and ability, unwanted advances, and negligence to prevent prejudice.
• Player care is a further issue. In May, Angel City defender Savy King fell on the field, requiring emergency medical treatment. The match continued, even though players were clearly upset. The NWSLPA called on the league to review their health procedures.
• Extreme weather protocols have additionally been questioned. During a broadcast match, the league head allegedly threatened to penalize a club over a disagreement in hot weather policies.
• Financial competition from European leagues like the WSL is increasing, luring top talent away from the league and nation where they made their careers.

Trans athletes were not involved into a single one of these challenges. And it's unlikely they will, irrespective of whether the proposed changes come to pass.