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On the end of October, Angel City FC player Elizabeth Eddy made her initial social media post in almost two years. In it, she responded to reports that the National Women's Soccer League had discreetly dropped its inclusion policy for transgender and intersex players, making the organization's future stance unclear.

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

“I'm concerned that lacking clear guidelines about who the league is for, it will sacrifice its identity and its growth,” Eddy wrote.

The article broadly advocated for a ban on transgender players from the league to preserve “the integrity of female athletics.”

Questioning the Real Risk

It remains uncertain how Eddy believes the league's credibility has been damaged—either under its former policy that allowed transgender players or its current absence of policy. The league, now in its thirteenth year, has established a clear brand. It's highly competitive, influential in business and culture, and an essential part of the worldwide female football landscape.

The league's momentum seems largely fine—audience numbers have increased each year, and growth to sixteen clubs is scheduled for 2026.

Examining the Evidence

Eddy cites the English FA's new prohibition on trans players as a success story. However, that ban is believed to affect only 20 or so grassroots participants out of 5.5 million soccer players. The effect in the United States would likely be similarly negligible.

Two years ago, when the NWSL's policy of inclusion was implemented, there were a couple transgender athletes: one player and Kumi Yokoyama. Both have since left, and no out trans players presently compete in the league. On the current season's first matchdays, the NWSL welcomed its 1,000th player. That's only two out trans players out of more than a thousand in league history.

Baseless Concerns and Real Damage

Eddy's piece is written as if there is a stream of transgender athletes ready to dominate the NWSL at a moment's notice. This is not the case. At present, there are no openly transgender players playing at a elite level in the United States. National laws explicitly prohibits transgender athletes from participating in NCAA college soccer. Moreover, multiple scientifically reviewed research have demonstrated that trans athletes have no biological advantages over cis athletes.

Without of openly transgender individuals, discriminatory behavior have persisted along racial lines. When Orlando Pride's Barbra Banda was named player of the year, she faced a wave of online abuse. The league was slow to respond in defending their star player. Likewise, Kansas City Current's Temwa Chawinga and her sister have experienced similar abuse.

“The piece does not represent for our club in this locker room,” team leader Sarah Gorden told the media. “We disagree with the things written for a plethora of reasons, but mostly the implications come across as discriminatory against trans people and racist as well.”

Additional Urgent Problems Confronting the League

Even if one were to overlook all that and think that including transgender athletes constitutes a genuine issue for the NWSL, it's hard to see how it would surpass multiple of other issues that have actually hindered the league's momentum and compromised its integrity.

• Working conditions for professionals remain a problem. Six former club employees are suing the team and the NWSL, alleging bias based on race and ability, unwanted advances, and negligence to stop discrimination.
• Athlete welfare is a further issue. In May, a player Savy King fell on the field, requiring urgent care. On-field play continued, even though players were clearly distraught. The players' association called on the NWSL to review their medical protocols.
• Extreme weather protocols have also been challenged. During a broadcast match, the league head reportedly warned to fine a club over a dispute in hot weather policies.
• Economic rivalry from leagues abroad like the Women's Super League is increasing, attracting top talent away from the NWSL and nation where they built their professional lives.

Transgender players did not factor into a single one of these issues. And it's unlikely they will, irrespective of whether the proposed changes come to pass.