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On late October, ACFC player Elizabeth Eddy made her initial social media post in nearly two years. In it, she responded to news that the NWSL had discreetly abandoned its policy of inclusion for trans and intersex athletes, leaving the league's position undecided.

The next day, her writing was republished completely by another media outlet, giving it wider attention.

“I'm concerned that without clarity about who the league is for, it will sacrifice its identity and its momentum,” stated Eddy.

Her piece broadly advocated for a ban on transgender players from the league to preserve “the fairness of women's sports.”

Questioning the Real Risk

It remains uncertain how Eddy believes the NWSL's credibility has been harmed—whether under its previous guidelines that permitted trans athletes or its present lack of one. The organization, now in its thirteenth year, has developed a distinct brand. It's highly competitive, influential in business and culture, and an integral part of the global women's soccer landscape.

Its growth trajectory seems mostly fine—viewership have grown every season, and growth to 16 teams is scheduled for 2026.

Examining the Data

Eddy references the Football Association's new prohibition on trans players as a positive example. However, that ban is believed to impact only 20 or so grassroots participants out of millions registered athletes. The impact in the US would likely be similarly minimal.

Two years ago, when the NWSL's trans inclusion policy was implemented, there were a couple trans players: Quinn and Kumi Yokoyama. They have both departed, and no openly transgender athletes presently compete in the league. On the 2025 season's first matchdays, the NWSL welcomed its thousandth player. That's just two out trans players out of over 1,000 in league history.

Unfounded Concerns and Real Damage

Eddy's piece is written as if there is a pipeline of trans players set to dominate the NWSL imminently. This is not the case. At present, there are no out trans players competing at a professional level in the US. National laws expressly bans trans players from competing in NCAA college soccer. Moreover, multiple scientifically reviewed studies have shown that transgender players have no biological advantages over cis athletes.

In the absence of out trans people, discriminatory behavior have continued along racial lines. When Orlando Pride's Barbra Banda was awarded a top honor, she experienced a wave of digital harassment. The NWSL was slow to respond in defending their star player. Likewise, another team's Temwa Chawinga and her sister have experienced similar mistreatment.

“The piece does not represent for our club in this locker room,” Angel City FC captain Sarah Gorden informed the media. “We don't agree with the content for a multitude of causes, but primarily the undertones come across as discriminatory against trans people and racist as well.”

Other Urgent Problems Confronting the League

Even if one were to ignore all that and believe that including transgender athletes constitutes a genuine issue for the NWSL, it's difficult to see how it would outrank any number of different challenges that have actually blunted the league's momentum and affected its reputation.

• Working conditions for staff remain a problem. Six former San Diego Wave employees are suing the club and the NWSL, alleging bias based on race and ability, sexual harassment, and failure to stop discrimination.
• Athlete welfare is another area of concern. In spring, a player Savy King fell on the pitch, requiring urgent care. On-field play resumed, even though teammates were clearly distraught. The NWSLPA called on the NWSL to review their medical protocols.
• Extreme weather protocols have additionally been challenged. During a nationally televised match, the NWSL commissioner reportedly warned to penalize a team over a dispute in hot weather policies.
• Economic competition from European leagues like the WSL is increasing, attracting top talent away from the NWSL and nation where they made their careers.

Transgender players did not factor into any one of these issues. And it's improbable they will, regardless of whether the proposed changes are implemented.