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On the end of October, ACFC athlete Elizabeth Eddy made her first social media post in nearly two years. In it, she responded to news that the National Women's Soccer League had discreetly dropped its inclusion policy for transgender and intersex players, leaving the league's future stance undecided.

The following day, her opinion piece was republished in full by another media outlet, giving it broader attention.

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

Her piece generally argued for a prohibition on transgender players from the NWSL to preserve “the integrity of female athletics.”

Questioning the Actual Risk

It's unclear how Eddy believes the NWSL's credibility has been damaged—whether under its former policy that permitted trans athletes or its current absence of policy. The organization, now in its 13th season, has established a distinct identity. It's extremely contested, influential in business and culture, and an integral part of the worldwide women's soccer landscape.

The league's momentum seems largely strong—audience numbers have grown each year, and growth to 16 teams is planned for 2026.

Analyzing the Data

Eddy references the English FA's recent ban on trans players as a positive example. Yet, that ban is believed to affect only 20 or so grassroots participants out of 5.5 million soccer players. The impact in the US would likely be similarly minimal.

In 2021, when the NWSL's policy of inclusion was implemented, there were two trans players: one player and Kumi Yokoyama. They have both departed, and no out trans players currently play in the NWSL. On the 2025 season's first matchdays, the NWSL celebrated its 1,000th participant. That's only two out trans players out of over 1,000 in league history.

Baseless Fears and Actual Damage

The article is framed as if there is a pipeline of trans players ready to take over the league at a moment's notice. There is no such thing. At present, there are no out trans players playing at a elite level in the US. Federal legislation explicitly bans transgender athletes from competing in university sports. Additionally, numerous peer-reviewed studies have demonstrated that trans athletes have no biological advantages over cisgender competitors.

Without of out trans people, discriminatory behavior have continued 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 supporting their key athlete. Similarly, Kansas City Current's Temwa Chawinga and her sister have experienced comparable mistreatment.

“That article does not speak for this team in this locker room,” Angel City FC captain Sarah Gorden informed reporters. “We don't agree with the content for a plethora of reasons, but mostly the undertones come across as transphobic and prejudiced as well.”

Additional Pressing Issues Facing the NWSL

Regardless if one were to overlook these points and think that trans inclusion represents a genuine issue for the league, it's hard to see how it would surpass any number of different challenges that have truly hindered the league's momentum and compromised its integrity.

• Working conditions for staff continue to be a concern. Several ex- club employees are suing the team and the NWSL, alleging racial and disability discrimination, sexual harassment, and negligence to prevent prejudice.
• Athlete welfare is a further issue. In May, a player Savy King collapsed on the pitch, requiring emergency medical treatment. The match continued, despite teammates 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 NWSL commissioner reportedly warned to fine a team over a disagreement in hot weather policies.
• Economic competition from European leagues like the Women's Super League is growing, attracting some of the NWSL's best players away from the league and nation where they made their careers.

Trans athletes were not involved into a single one of these issues. And it's unlikely they will, irrespective of whether Eddy's suggestions are implemented.