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During late October, Angel City FC player Elizabeth Eddy posted her initial social media post in nearly two years. Within her message, 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 future stance unclear.

The following day, her opinion piece was shared in full by a different publication, giving it broader attention.

“I worry that lacking clear guidelines about the league's intended participants, it will lose its identity and its momentum,” Eddy wrote.

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

Questioning the Actual Threat

It's unclear how Eddy thinks the league's integrity has been harmed—either under its previous guidelines that permitted trans athletes or its current absence of policy. The organization, now in its thirteenth year, has developed a distinct brand. It's highly competitive, influential in business and culture, and an essential part of the global female football scene.

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

Analyzing the Data

Eddy references the English FA's recent ban on trans players as a success story. Yet, that restriction is thought to affect only 20 or so grassroots participants out of 5.5 million registered athletes. The impact in the US would likely be equally negligible.

Two years ago, when the league's trans inclusion policy took effect, there were two trans players: Quinn and Kumi Yokoyama. Both have since left, and no openly transgender athletes presently play in the league. On the 2025 season's first matchdays, the league celebrated its thousandth player. That's only two out trans players out of over 1,000 in the NWSL's existence.

Unfounded Concerns and Real Harm

Eddy's piece is framed as if there is a pipeline of trans players set to dominate the league imminently. There is no such thing. There are currently no out trans players playing at a professional level in the US. Federal legislation expressly bans trans players from competing in university sports. 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 ethnic divisions. When Orlando Pride's Barbra Banda was named a top honor, she faced a surge of online abuse. The league was slow to respond in defending their key athlete. Similarly, another team's Temwa Chawinga and her sister faced similar mistreatment.

“That article does not speak for our club in our dressing room,” team leader Sarah Gorden informed reporters. “We don't agree with the content for a plethora of causes, but mostly the undertones come across as discriminatory against trans people and prejudiced as well.”

Additional Urgent Issues Facing the League

Regardless if one were to ignore all that and believe that trans inclusion constitutes a real problem for the league, it's difficult to see how it would surpass any number of different challenges that have actually hindered the growth and affected its reputation.

• Employment standards for staff continue to be a problem. Six former San Diego Wave employees are suing the club and the league, alleging racial and disability discrimination, sexual harassment, and negligence to prevent prejudice.
• Player care is another issue. In spring, a player Savy King collapsed on the field, requiring emergency medical treatment. The match continued, despite players were clearly distraught. The NWSLPA called on the league to review their health procedures.
• Extreme weather guidelines have also been questioned. During a broadcast match, the league head reportedly threatened to penalize 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.

Trans athletes were not involved into a single one of these challenges. And it's unlikely they will, irrespective of whether Eddy's suggestions come to pass.