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On late October, ACFC athlete Elizabeth Eddy made her initial social media statement in nearly two years. Within her message, she addressed news that the NWSL had quietly dropped its inclusion policy for trans and intersex players, leaving the organization's position undecided.

The next day, her writing was shared in full by another media outlet, giving it wider exposure.

“I'm concerned that without clarity about the league's intended participants, it will sacrifice its character and its growth,” stated Eddy.

The article generally argued for a ban on trans athletes from the league to preserve “the fairness of female athletics.”

Examining the Real Threat

It's unclear how Eddy believes the league's integrity has been harmed—either under its former policy that permitted transgender players or its present lack of one. The league, now in its thirteenth year, has developed a distinct identity. It's highly competitive, commercially and culturally powerful, and an integral part of the worldwide female football landscape.

Its growth trajectory seems largely strong—viewership have grown each year, and expansion to sixteen clubs is scheduled for the coming years.

Analyzing the Evidence

Eddy cites the Football Association's recent ban on trans players as a positive example. Yet, that ban is believed to affect only 20 or so grassroots participants out of millions soccer players. The effect in the US would likely be similarly negligible.

Two years ago, when the NWSL's policy of inclusion took effect, there were two trans players: one player and Kumi Yokoyama. They have both departed, and no out trans players presently compete in the NWSL. On the 2025 season's opening weekend, the league welcomed its thousandth player. That's just two openly transgender individuals out of over 1,000 in the NWSL's existence.

Unfounded Fears and Real Harm

The article is framed as if there is a stream of transgender athletes ready to take over the NWSL at a moment's notice. This is not the case. At present, there are no openly transgender players competing at a professional level in the United States. Federal legislation explicitly bans trans players from competing in university sports. Moreover, numerous scientifically reviewed studies have shown that trans athletes have no inherent physical edge over cisgender competitors.

Without of openly transgender individuals, transphobic attacks have persisted along racial lines. When a club's Barbra Banda was named player of the year, she experienced a wave of digital harassment. The league was slow to respond in defending their key athlete. Likewise, another team's Temwa Chawinga and her sister faced similar abuse.

“That article does not speak for this team in our dressing room,” Angel City FC captain Sarah Gorden told reporters. “We don't agree with the content for a multitude of reasons, but primarily the undertones come across as transphobic and prejudiced as well.”

Other Pressing Problems Facing the NWSL

Even if one were to overlook these points and think that trans inclusion constitutes a genuine issue for the NWSL, it's hard to see how it would surpass multiple of different challenges that have truly hindered the league's momentum and affected its reputation.

• Working conditions for staff continue to be a concern. Six former San Diego Wave employees are suing the club and the NWSL, alleging bias based on race and ability, unwanted advances, and negligence to stop discrimination.
• Player care is a further area of concern. In spring, Angel City defender Savy King collapsed on the pitch, requiring urgent care. On-field play resumed, even though teammates were visibly distraught. The players' association called on the league to review their health procedures.
• Severe climate protocols have also been challenged. During a nationally televised match, the league head reportedly warned to penalize a team over a dispute in extreme heat procedures.
• Financial competition from European leagues like the Women's Super League is increasing, attracting some of the NWSL's best players away from the league and country where they made their careers.

Trans athletes were not involved into any one of these challenges. And it's improbable they will, irrespective of whether the proposed changes come to pass.