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On the end of October, Angel City FC player Elizabeth Eddy made her initial online post in nearly two years. Within her message, she addressed reports that the National Women's Soccer League had discreetly dropped its inclusion policy for transgender and intersex players, leaving the league's position undecided.

The next day, her opinion piece was republished in full by a different media outlet, providing wider attention.

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

The article generally argued for a prohibition on trans athletes from the NWSL to preserve “the integrity of female athletics.”

Questioning the Real Risk

It remains uncertain how Eddy believes the league's integrity has been damaged—whether under its former policy that allowed trans athletes or its current lack of one. The organization, now in its 13th season, has developed a clear brand. It's extremely contested, influential in business and culture, and an essential part of the worldwide female football scene.

The league's momentum appears largely strong—audience numbers have increased each year, and expansion to sixteen clubs is planned for 2026.

Examining the Data

Eddy references the English FA's recent ban on trans players as a positive example. However, that restriction is thought to impact only approximately twenty grassroots participants out of millions registered athletes. The impact in the US would likely be similarly minimal.

In 2021, when the NWSL's trans inclusion policy was implemented, there were two trans players: Quinn and Kumi Yokoyama. They have both departed, and no openly transgender athletes presently play in the league. On the current season's opening weekend, the league celebrated its 1,000th player. That's just two out trans players out of more than a thousand in the NWSL's existence.

Unfounded Concerns and Real Harm

The article is written as if there is a stream of trans players ready to take over the NWSL imminently. There is no such thing. There are currently no openly transgender players competing at a professional level in the United States. Federal legislation explicitly prohibits trans players from competing in university sports. Moreover, numerous peer-reviewed studies have demonstrated that trans athletes have no inherent physical edge over cis athletes.

In the absence of out trans people, discriminatory behavior have persisted along racial lines. When a club's Barbra Banda was named a top honor, she experienced a surge of digital harassment. The NWSL was painfully slow in supporting their key athlete. Likewise, Kansas City Current's Temwa Chawinga and her sister faced similar abuse.

“That article does not represent for our club in this locker room,” team leader Sarah Gorden informed the media. “We disagree with the things written for a multitude of causes, but mostly the implications come across as transphobic and racist as well.”

Additional Pressing Problems Facing the NWSL

Even if one were to overlook all that and think that trans inclusion constitutes a real problem for the NWSL, it's hard to see how it would surpass any number of different challenges that have actually hindered the league's momentum and affected its integrity.

• Employment standards for professionals remain a problem. Six former San Diego Wave employees are taking legal action against the team and the league, alleging racial and disability discrimination, unwanted advances, and negligence to stop discrimination.
• Athlete welfare is a further area of concern. In spring, a player Savy King fell on the field, requiring urgent care. On-field play continued, even though players were clearly upset. The NWSLPA called on the league to revisit their health procedures.
• Severe climate guidelines have additionally been questioned. During a nationally televised match, the NWSL commissioner reportedly threatened to fine a team over a disagreement in hot weather policies.
• Economic rivalry from European leagues like the Women's Super League is growing, luring some of the NWSL's best players away from the league and nation where they made their careers.

Transgender players were not involved into a single one of these issues. And it's improbable they will, irrespective of whether Eddy's suggestions come to pass.