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During the end of October, ACFC player Elizabeth Eddy made her initial online statement in nearly two years. In it, she addressed reports that the NWSL had discreetly dropped its inclusion policy for transgender and intersex athletes, making the organization's future stance unclear.

The next day, her opinion piece was shared in full by a different publication, giving it wider exposure.

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

Her piece generally argued for a ban on trans athletes from the NWSL to protect “the fairness of women's sports.”

Examining the Real Threat

It remains uncertain how Eddy believes the NWSL's integrity has been harmed—whether under its previous guidelines that allowed trans athletes or its present lack of one. The organization, now in its 13th season, has developed a distinct identity. It's highly competitive, commercially and culturally powerful, and an essential part of the global women's soccer scene.

The league's momentum appears mostly strong—viewership have increased every season, and expansion to sixteen clubs is planned for the coming years.

Examining the Evidence

Eddy cites the Football Association's new prohibition on transgender athletes as a positive example. Yet, that restriction is believed to affect only approximately twenty grassroots participants out of millions registered athletes. The impact in the US would likely be similarly minimal.

Two years ago, when the league's policy of inclusion was implemented, there were a couple transgender athletes: one player and Kumi Yokoyama. They have both departed, and no openly transgender athletes currently 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 the NWSL's existence.

Baseless Concerns and Real Damage

Eddy's piece is written as if there is a stream of transgender athletes set to dominate the NWSL at a moment's notice. There is no such thing. At present, there are no out trans players competing at a elite level in the US. Federal legislation expressly prohibits transgender athletes from participating in NCAA college soccer. Moreover, numerous peer-reviewed studies have shown that transgender players have no inherent physical edge over cisgender competitors.

Without of openly transgender individuals, discriminatory behavior have continued along racial lines. When Orlando Pride's Barbra Banda was named a top honor, she experienced a wave of online abuse. The NWSL was slow to respond in defending their star player. Likewise, another team's Temwa Chawinga and her sister have experienced comparable mistreatment.

“The piece does not speak for our club in our dressing room,” Angel City FC captain Sarah Gorden told the media. “We don't agree with the content for a plethora of reasons, but primarily the implications come across as discriminatory against trans people and prejudiced as well.”

Other Pressing Problems Facing the League

Regardless if one were to overlook these points and think that trans inclusion constitutes a genuine issue for the league, it's difficult to see how it would outrank multiple of different challenges that have actually blunted the league's momentum and compromised its reputation.

• Employment standards for staff continue to be a concern. Six former club employees are suing the club and the NWSL, alleging racial and disability discrimination, unwanted advances, and failure to stop prejudice.
• Player care is another issue. In May, Angel City defender Savy King fell on the pitch, requiring emergency medical treatment. On-field play resumed, despite teammates were visibly upset. The NWSLPA called on the league to review their medical protocols.
• Severe climate guidelines have additionally been questioned. During a broadcast match, the league head allegedly warned to fine a club over a disagreement in hot weather policies.
• Financial rivalry from European leagues like the Women's Super League is growing, luring some of the NWSL's best players away from the league and nation where they built their professional lives.

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