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During the end of October, ACFC player Elizabeth Eddy made her initial online statement in nearly two years. Within her message, she responded to reports that the National Women's Soccer League had discreetly abandoned its policy of inclusion for transgender and intersex players, making the league's position undecided.

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

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

The article generally argued for a prohibition on transgender players from the league to protect “the fairness of women's sports.”

Questioning the Actual Threat

It's unclear how Eddy believes the NWSL's integrity has been damaged—either under its former policy that permitted trans athletes or its current lack of one. The league, now in its 13th season, has established a clear identity. It's highly competitive, influential in business and culture, and an essential part of the global women's soccer scene.

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

Analyzing the Evidence

Eddy references the Football Association's new prohibition on trans players as a positive example. Yet, that ban is thought to affect only 20 or so amateur participants out of 5.5 million registered athletes. The impact in the United States would likely be equally negligible.

In 2021, when the league's trans inclusion policy took effect, there were two transgender athletes: one player and Kumi Yokoyama. They have both departed, and no openly transgender athletes presently compete in the league. On the 2025 season's opening weekend, the NWSL welcomed its thousandth participant. That's only two out trans players out of over 1,000 in league history.

Unfounded Concerns and Real Harm

Eddy's piece is framed as if there is a pipeline of trans players ready to dominate the NWSL imminently. This is not the case. There are currently no openly transgender players playing at a professional level in the US. National laws explicitly bans transgender athletes from competing in university sports. Additionally, multiple scientifically reviewed research have shown that trans athletes have no inherent physical edge over cis athletes.

In the absence of out trans people, discriminatory behavior have persisted along racial lines. When a club's Barbra Banda was awarded a top honor, she experienced a surge of digital harassment. The league was painfully slow in supporting their key athlete. Likewise, Kansas City Current's Temwa Chawinga and her sister have experienced similar abuse.

“That article does not speak for this team in this locker room,” Angel City FC captain Sarah Gorden told reporters. “We don't agree with the things written for a multitude of causes, but mostly the implications come across as discriminatory against trans people and prejudiced as well.”

Other Urgent Issues Confronting the League

Regardless if one were to ignore these points and think that trans inclusion constitutes a genuine issue for the NWSL, it's difficult to see how it would outrank multiple of other issues that have truly blunted the growth and affected its reputation.

• Working conditions for professionals continue to be a concern. Several ex- San Diego Wave employees are taking legal action against the club and the league, alleging bias based on race and ability, unwanted advances, and failure to prevent prejudice.
• Athlete welfare is another area of concern. In spring, a player Savy King collapsed on the pitch, requiring urgent care. The match resumed, despite players were clearly upset. The NWSLPA called on the league to revisit their medical protocols.
• Severe climate protocols have also been questioned. During a broadcast match, the NWSL commissioner reportedly threatened to penalize a team over a disagreement in extreme heat procedures.
• Financial competition from European leagues like the Women's Super League is growing, attracting top talent away from the league and nation where they made their careers.

Transgender players were not involved into any one of these challenges. And it's improbable they will, irrespective of whether Eddy's suggestions are implemented.