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On late October, Angel City FC player Elizabeth Eddy made her first online post in nearly two years. Within her message, she responded to news that the National Women's Soccer League had discreetly abandoned its policy of inclusion for transgender and intersex players, leaving the league's future stance unclear.

The following day, her writing was republished in full by a different publication, giving it wider attention.

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

Her piece broadly advocated for a ban on transgender players from the league to protect “the integrity of female athletics.”

Questioning the Real Risk

It remains uncertain how Eddy thinks the NWSL's integrity has been harmed—either under its previous guidelines that permitted trans athletes or its current lack of one. The organization, now in its thirteenth year, has developed a distinct brand. It's extremely contested, commercially and culturally powerful, and an integral part of the global women's soccer scene.

Its growth trajectory appears mostly strong—audience numbers have grown each year, and expansion to 16 teams is scheduled for the coming years.

Analyzing the Data

Eddy cites the Football Association's recent ban on trans players as a success story. However, that restriction is believed to affect only 20 or so amateur players out of 5.5 million soccer players. The effect in the United States would likely be equally negligible.

In 2021, when the NWSL's trans inclusion policy was implemented, there were two trans players: one player and Kumi Yokoyama. Both have since left, and no out trans players currently compete in the league. On the 2025 season's first matchdays, the NWSL welcomed its thousandth participant. That's only two out trans players out of more than a thousand in league history.

Baseless Fears and Real Harm

The article is written as if there is a stream of transgender athletes ready to take over the NWSL at a moment's notice. There is no such thing. There are currently no out trans players competing at a professional level in the United States. National laws expressly bans transgender athletes from participating in NCAA college soccer. Additionally, numerous scientifically reviewed research have shown that transgender players have no inherent physical edge over cis athletes.

Without of out trans people, discriminatory behavior have persisted along ethnic divisions. When Orlando Pride's Barbra Banda was awarded player of the year, she experienced a wave of online abuse. The NWSL was slow to respond in defending their star player. Similarly, Kansas City Current's Temwa Chawinga and her sister have experienced comparable abuse.

“That article does not speak for this team in this locker room,” team leader Sarah Gorden informed reporters. “We disagree with the things written for a multitude of reasons, but primarily the implications come across as discriminatory against trans people and prejudiced as well.”

Other Urgent Problems Facing the League

Even if one were to ignore all that and believe that including transgender athletes represents a genuine issue for the NWSL, it's difficult to see how it would surpass multiple of different challenges that have truly hindered the league's momentum and affected its reputation.

• Working conditions for professionals continue to be a concern. Several ex- club employees are taking legal action against the team and the league, alleging bias based on race and ability, sexual harassment, and negligence to stop discrimination.
• Athlete welfare is another issue. In May, a player Savy King collapsed on the field, requiring emergency medical treatment. On-field play continued, despite players were visibly upset. The NWSLPA called on the league to review their health procedures.
• Severe climate guidelines have also been questioned. During a nationally televised match, the league head allegedly threatened to fine a club over a dispute in extreme heat procedures.
• Financial competition from European leagues like the Women's Super League is increasing, luring some of the NWSL's best players away from the NWSL and nation where they made their careers.

Trans athletes did not factor into any one of these challenges. And it's unlikely they will, irrespective of whether the proposed changes are implemented.