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During late October, ACFC player Elizabeth Eddy made her initial online statement in almost two years. In it, she responded to news that the NWSL had discreetly abandoned its inclusion policy for transgender and intersex players, making the organization's future stance undecided.

The next day, her opinion piece was republished in full by a different media outlet, giving it broader exposure.

“I worry that lacking clear guidelines about who the league is for, it will lose its character and its momentum,” Eddy wrote.

The article broadly advocated for a prohibition on trans athletes from the league to protect “the integrity of women's sports.”

Examining the Actual Threat

It's unclear how Eddy thinks the NWSL's integrity has been harmed—either under its previous guidelines that allowed transgender players or its present absence of policy. The league, now in its thirteenth year, has established a distinct identity. 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—audience numbers have increased each year, and growth to 16 teams is planned for 2026.

Examining the Data

Eddy cites the Football Association's new prohibition on transgender athletes as a positive example. Yet, that restriction is believed to impact only 20 or so amateur participants out of 5.5 million soccer players. The impact in the US would likely be similarly negligible.

Two years ago, when the NWSL's policy of inclusion was implemented, there were a couple trans players: Quinn and Kumi Yokoyama. They have both departed, and no out trans players presently play in the league. On the current season's opening weekend, the NWSL welcomed its thousandth player. That's just two openly transgender individuals out of more than a thousand in league history.

Unfounded Fears and Actual Harm

The article is framed as if there is a pipeline of transgender athletes set to dominate the league imminently. This is not the case. At present, there are no openly transgender players playing at a elite level in the United States. Federal legislation expressly prohibits trans players from competing in NCAA college soccer. Moreover, numerous scientifically reviewed research have demonstrated that trans athletes 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 surge of online abuse. The NWSL was slow to respond in supporting their star player. Likewise, another team's Temwa Chawinga and her sister have experienced comparable abuse.

“That article 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 reasons, but mostly the implications come across as discriminatory against trans people and prejudiced as well.”

Other Pressing Problems Facing the NWSL

Even if one were to ignore these points and believe that trans inclusion constitutes a genuine issue for the league, it's hard to see how it would outrank any number of different challenges that have actually blunted the league's momentum and compromised its reputation.

• Working conditions for professionals remain a problem. Several ex- San Diego Wave employees are taking legal action against the club and the league, alleging bias based on race and ability, sexual harassment, and failure to stop prejudice.
• Player care is a further issue. In May, Angel City defender Savy King fell on the pitch, requiring urgent care. On-field play continued, even though players were visibly distraught. The players' association called on the NWSL to revisit their medical protocols.
• Severe climate protocols have also been challenged. During a broadcast match, the league head allegedly warned to fine a team over a dispute in hot weather policies.
• Financial competition from European leagues like the WSL is increasing, luring some of the NWSL's best players away from the league and nation where they built their professional lives.

Transgender players did not factor into any one of these challenges. And it's improbable they will, irrespective of whether Eddy's suggestions come to pass.