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During the end of October, Angel City FC athlete Elizabeth Eddy posted her initial social media statement in nearly two years. Within her message, she addressed news that the National Women's Soccer League had discreetly abandoned its inclusion policy for transgender and intersex players, making the organization's future stance unclear.

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

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

The article broadly advocated for a ban on transgender players from the league to preserve “the integrity of female athletics.”

Questioning the Real Threat

It remains uncertain how Eddy thinks the NWSL's credibility has been damaged—whether under its previous guidelines that allowed trans athletes or its present absence of policy. The organization, now in its 13th season, has developed a clear brand. It's highly competitive, influential in business and culture, and an integral part of the worldwide women's soccer scene.

Its growth trajectory appears mostly strong—audience numbers have increased each year, and growth to 16 teams is planned for 2026.

Examining the Data

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

In 2021, when the league's trans inclusion policy took effect, there were a couple trans players: one player and Kumi Yokoyama. Both have since left, and no out trans players presently play in the NWSL. On the 2025 season's first matchdays, the league celebrated its thousandth player. That's just two out trans players out of more than a thousand in league history.

Baseless Concerns and Actual Harm

Eddy's piece is written as if there is a pipeline of trans players 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 elite level in the United States. National laws expressly prohibits transgender athletes from participating in NCAA college soccer. Moreover, multiple scientifically reviewed studies have demonstrated that trans athletes have no inherent physical edge over cis athletes.

In the absence of out trans people, transphobic attacks have persisted along ethnic divisions. When a club's Barbra Banda was named a top honor, she faced a wave of online abuse. The league was slow to respond in supporting their star player. Similarly, another team's Temwa Chawinga and her sister faced comparable mistreatment.

“That article does not speak for our club 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 transphobic and racist as well.”

Additional Pressing Problems Facing the NWSL

Even if one were to overlook 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.

• Employment standards for staff remain a concern. Several ex- club employees are suing the team and the NWSL, alleging racial and disability discrimination, unwanted advances, and negligence to stop discrimination.
• Athlete welfare is another issue. In May, a player Savy King collapsed on the pitch, requiring urgent care. On-field play resumed, despite teammates were clearly distraught. The NWSLPA called on the league to review their medical protocols.
• Severe climate guidelines have also been challenged. During a nationally televised match, the league head allegedly threatened to fine a club over a disagreement in hot weather policies.
• Financial rivalry from leagues abroad like the WSL is increasing, attracting top talent away from the NWSL and country where they built their professional lives.

Trans athletes did not factor into a single one of these issues. And it's unlikely they will, irrespective of whether Eddy's suggestions are implemented.