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On the end of October, Angel City FC athlete Elizabeth Eddy made her initial social media statement in almost two years. In it, she addressed news that the NWSL had quietly abandoned its inclusion policy for trans and intersex athletes, leaving the league's future stance unclear.

The next day, her writing was republished in full by a different media outlet, giving it wider exposure.

“I'm concerned that without clarity about the league's intended participants, it will lose its identity and its momentum,” stated Eddy.

Her piece broadly advocated for a prohibition on trans athletes from the league to preserve “the fairness of women's sports.”

Examining the Real Risk

It's unclear how Eddy thinks the league's credibility has been harmed—whether under its former policy that permitted transgender players or its present absence of policy. The organization, now in its 13th season, has developed a distinct brand. It's extremely contested, commercially and culturally powerful, and an integral part of the worldwide women's soccer landscape.

The league's momentum appears mostly strong—viewership have increased each year, and growth to sixteen clubs is planned for 2026.

Analyzing the Data

Eddy references the Football Association's new prohibition on transgender athletes as a positive example. Yet, that restriction is believed to affect only approximately twenty grassroots participants out of 5.5 million registered athletes. The impact in the United States would likely be equally minimal.

Two years ago, when the NWSL's policy of inclusion was implemented, there were two transgender athletes: one player and Kumi Yokoyama. They have both departed, and no openly transgender athletes presently compete in the NWSL. On the 2025 season's first matchdays, the NWSL welcomed its thousandth participant. That's only two out trans players out of more than a thousand in the NWSL's existence.

Unfounded Concerns and Real Damage

Eddy's piece is framed as if there is a stream of transgender athletes ready to take over the NWSL imminently. There is no such thing. There are currently no out trans players playing at a professional level in the US. Federal legislation explicitly prohibits trans players from competing in NCAA college soccer. Moreover, multiple scientifically reviewed research have demonstrated that transgender players have no biological advantages over cisgender competitors.

Without of openly transgender individuals, transphobic attacks have continued along ethnic divisions. When Orlando Pride's Barbra Banda was named player of the year, she experienced a wave of digital harassment. The NWSL was slow to respond in supporting their key athlete. Likewise, another team's Temwa Chawinga and her sister faced comparable mistreatment.

“That article does not speak for our club in this locker room,” team leader Sarah Gorden told the media. “We disagree with the content for a multitude of reasons, but primarily the implications come across as discriminatory against trans people and racist as well.”

Additional Pressing Issues Facing the League

Even if one were to overlook all that and think that trans inclusion represents a real problem for the NWSL, it's difficult to see how it would surpass multiple of other issues that have truly blunted the growth and affected its integrity.

• Employment standards for professionals remain a concern. Six former club employees are suing the team and the NWSL, alleging bias based on race and ability, sexual harassment, and failure to prevent prejudice.
• Player care is a further issue. In May, Angel City defender Savy King fell on the pitch, requiring urgent care. The match continued, despite teammates were visibly distraught. The NWSLPA called on the league to review their health procedures.
• Extreme weather guidelines have also been challenged. During a nationally televised match, the league head reportedly warned to fine a club over a dispute in extreme heat procedures.
• Financial competition from European leagues like the WSL is increasing, luring top talent away from the NWSL and country where they built their professional lives.

Transgender players did not factor into a single one of these challenges. And it's unlikely they will, regardless of whether Eddy's suggestions are implemented.