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During the end of October, Angel City FC player Elizabeth Eddy made her first online statement in almost two years. Within her message, she addressed reports that the National Women's Soccer League had discreetly abandoned its policy of inclusion for trans and intersex athletes, leaving the league's position unclear.

The next day, her writing was republished in full by a different publication, giving it wider attention.

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

The article broadly advocated for a prohibition 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 league's credibility has been harmed—either under its former policy that permitted trans athletes or its present absence of policy. The organization, now in its 13th season, has developed a clear identity. It's highly competitive, commercially and culturally powerful, and an integral part of the worldwide female football scene.

Its growth trajectory seems mostly strong—audience numbers have increased every season, and growth to sixteen clubs is scheduled for the coming years.

Analyzing the Evidence

Eddy cites the Football Association's recent ban on transgender athletes as a success story. Yet, that ban is thought to impact only approximately twenty amateur participants out of millions registered athletes. The impact in the US would likely be equally negligible.

Two years ago, when the league's policy of inclusion took effect, there were two trans players: one player and Kumi Yokoyama. Both have since left, and no openly transgender athletes presently compete in the league. On the 2025 season's first matchdays, the league welcomed its 1,000th player. That's just two out trans players out of more than a thousand in league history.

Baseless Concerns and Real Harm

Eddy's piece is written 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. There are currently no openly transgender players competing at a elite level in the United States. National laws explicitly prohibits trans players from competing in NCAA college soccer. Additionally, multiple peer-reviewed studies have demonstrated that transgender players have no inherent physical edge over cis athletes.

Without of openly transgender individuals, transphobic attacks have continued along ethnic divisions. When Orlando Pride's Barbra Banda was awarded player of the year, she faced a surge of online abuse. The league was painfully slow in defending their key athlete. Likewise, Kansas City Current's Temwa Chawinga and her sister faced similar mistreatment.

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

Other Pressing Issues Facing the League

Even if one were to overlook these points and believe that trans inclusion constitutes a genuine issue for the NWSL, it's difficult to see how it would surpass any number of other issues that have actually hindered the league's momentum and compromised its integrity.

• Employment standards for professionals continue to be a concern. Six former 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 area of concern. In May, a player Savy King collapsed on the pitch, requiring urgent care. The match resumed, even though teammates were clearly distraught. The players' association called on the league to review their health procedures.
• Severe climate guidelines have additionally been challenged. During a broadcast match, the league head reportedly warned to fine a club over a disagreement in hot weather policies.
• Economic competition from European leagues like the Women's Super League is growing, attracting top talent away from the league 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, irrespective of whether the proposed changes come to pass.