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On the end of October, Angel City FC athlete Elizabeth Eddy made her initial online post in nearly two years. In it, she responded to news that the National Women's Soccer League had discreetly dropped its policy of inclusion for transgender and intersex athletes, leaving the league's position undecided.

The next day, her writing was shared in full by another media outlet, giving it wider exposure.

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

The article broadly advocated for a prohibition on trans athletes from the league to preserve “the integrity of women's sports.”

Examining the Actual Threat

It's unclear how Eddy thinks the NWSL's credibility has been harmed—whether under its previous guidelines that permitted transgender players or its current lack of one. The league, now in its thirteenth year, has developed a distinct brand. It's extremely contested, commercially and culturally powerful, and an integral part of the worldwide female football landscape.

Its growth trajectory appears largely fine—viewership have increased each year, and growth to 16 teams is scheduled for 2026.

Analyzing the Data

Eddy cites the Football Association's new prohibition on trans players as a success story. However, that restriction is thought to impact only 20 or so amateur participants out of millions registered athletes. The impact in the US would likely be equally negligible.

In 2021, when the NWSL's policy of inclusion took effect, there were a couple trans players: one player and Kumi Yokoyama. Both have since left, and no out trans players presently compete in the league. On the 2025 season's opening weekend, the league welcomed its thousandth participant. That's just two openly transgender individuals out of more than a thousand in league history.

Baseless Fears and Real Damage

Eddy's piece is framed as if there is a pipeline of transgender athletes set to dominate the league imminently. This is not the case. There are currently no out trans players competing at a elite level in the US. National laws expressly bans trans players from participating in university sports. Additionally, numerous peer-reviewed studies have demonstrated that transgender players have no inherent physical edge over cis athletes.

In the absence of openly transgender individuals, transphobic attacks have continued along ethnic divisions. When a club's Barbra Banda was named player of the year, she experienced a wave of online abuse. The NWSL was slow to respond in supporting their key athlete. Similarly, another team's Temwa Chawinga and her sister have experienced similar mistreatment.

“The piece does not speak for this team in this locker room,” team leader Sarah Gorden informed the media. “We don't agree with the things written for a plethora of reasons, but mostly the implications come across as transphobic and prejudiced as well.”

Other Urgent Issues Facing the NWSL

Even if one were to ignore these points and think that including transgender athletes represents a real problem for the NWSL, it's difficult to see how it would outrank any number of different challenges that have truly blunted the league's momentum and affected its reputation.

• Employment standards for professionals remain a problem. Six former club employees are taking legal action against the club and the NWSL, alleging bias based on race and ability, sexual harassment, and negligence to prevent discrimination.
• Player care is another issue. In spring, Angel City defender Savy King fell on the pitch, requiring emergency medical treatment. On-field play continued, despite teammates were clearly distraught. The NWSLPA called on the league to revisit their health procedures.
• Severe climate protocols have also been questioned. During a broadcast match, the NWSL commissioner reportedly warned to fine a club over a disagreement in extreme heat procedures.
• Economic rivalry from European leagues like the Women's Super League is growing, attracting top talent away from the league and country where they made their careers.

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