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On late October, ACFC player Elizabeth Eddy made her initial social media post in almost two years. In it, she addressed reports that the NWSL had discreetly abandoned its inclusion policy for trans and intersex athletes, making the organization's position undecided.

The following day, her opinion piece was republished in full by a different publication, giving it broader attention.

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

Her piece generally argued for a ban on transgender players from the league to protect “the integrity of women's sports.”

Questioning the Actual Risk

It remains uncertain how Eddy believes the NWSL's credibility has been harmed—whether under its former policy that allowed trans athletes or its present absence of policy. The league, now in its thirteenth year, has developed a distinct identity. It's extremely contested, commercially and culturally powerful, and an essential part of the worldwide women's soccer landscape.

Its growth trajectory appears mostly fine—viewership have increased every season, and growth to sixteen clubs is scheduled for 2026.

Analyzing the Evidence

Eddy cites the English FA's new prohibition on trans players as a success story. Yet, that restriction is thought to impact only approximately twenty grassroots participants out of 5.5 million registered athletes. The effect in the United States would likely be equally negligible.

In 2021, when the league's trans inclusion policy was implemented, there were a couple trans players: one player and Kumi Yokoyama. Both have since left, and no openly transgender athletes currently play 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 over 1,000 in league history.

Unfounded Fears and Real Damage

Eddy's piece is written as if there is a stream of trans players ready to dominate the league imminently. There is no such thing. There are currently no out trans players competing at a elite level in the US. Federal legislation explicitly prohibits trans players from participating in university sports. Additionally, multiple scientifically reviewed research have shown that transgender players have no inherent physical edge over cisgender competitors.

Without of openly transgender individuals, discriminatory behavior have persisted along ethnic divisions. When a club's Barbra Banda was awarded a top honor, she faced a wave of online abuse. The league was slow to respond in supporting their key athlete. Similarly, another team's Temwa Chawinga and her sister have experienced similar abuse.

“That article does not speak for our club in this locker room,” team leader Sarah Gorden informed reporters. “We disagree with the content for a plethora of reasons, but mostly the implications come across as discriminatory against trans people and prejudiced as well.”

Additional Pressing Issues Facing the NWSL

Even if one were to ignore all that and think that including transgender athletes represents a genuine issue for the NWSL, it's difficult to see how it would outrank multiple of different challenges that have actually hindered the league's momentum and compromised its reputation.

• Working conditions for professionals remain a problem. Six former club employees are suing the club and the league, alleging racial and disability discrimination, sexual harassment, and failure to stop prejudice.
• Athlete welfare is another issue. In May, a player Savy King fell on the pitch, requiring urgent care. On-field play resumed, despite teammates were visibly upset. The NWSLPA called on the NWSL to review their health procedures.
• Extreme weather protocols have additionally been challenged. During a nationally televised match, the league head allegedly warned to fine a club over a dispute in hot weather policies.
• Economic competition from leagues abroad like the WSL 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 a single one of these issues. And it's improbable they will, irrespective of whether the proposed changes come to pass.