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On the end of October, Angel City FC athlete Elizabeth Eddy made her initial online post in nearly two years. Within her message, she addressed news that the National Women's Soccer League had quietly abandoned its inclusion policy for trans and intersex athletes, making the organization's future stance undecided.

The following day, her writing was republished in full by a different media outlet, giving it wider exposure.

“I worry that lacking clear guidelines about the league's intended participants, it will sacrifice its character and its momentum,” stated Eddy.

Her piece broadly advocated for a prohibition on trans athletes from the NWSL to preserve “the fairness of women's sports.”

Examining the Actual Risk

It remains uncertain how Eddy thinks the league's integrity has been damaged—whether under its former policy that permitted trans athletes or its present lack of one. The organization, now in its 13th season, has established a clear brand. It's extremely contested, commercially and culturally powerful, and an integral part of the worldwide female football scene.

Its growth trajectory appears mostly fine—audience numbers have grown every season, and growth to sixteen clubs is scheduled for the coming years.

Examining the Data

Eddy references the English FA's recent ban on trans players as a success story. Yet, that ban is believed to affect only 20 or so grassroots participants out of 5.5 million soccer players. The impact in the US would likely be similarly negligible.

In 2021, when the league's policy of inclusion was implemented, there were a couple transgender athletes: Quinn 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 over 1,000 in the NWSL's existence.

Unfounded Fears and Real Harm

Eddy's piece is written as if there is a pipeline of transgender athletes set to take over the league imminently. This is not the case. There are currently no openly transgender players playing at a elite level in the United States. National laws explicitly bans trans players from competing in NCAA college soccer. Additionally, numerous scientifically reviewed studies have demonstrated that transgender players have no biological advantages over cis athletes.

Without of openly transgender individuals, transphobic attacks have continued along racial lines. When a club's Barbra Banda was awarded a top honor, she experienced a wave of online abuse. The league was painfully slow in supporting their star player. Similarly, Kansas City Current's Temwa Chawinga and her sister have experienced comparable mistreatment.

“That article 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 causes, but mostly the undertones come across as discriminatory against trans people and prejudiced as well.”

Other Urgent Issues Confronting the League

Even if one were to ignore these points and believe that trans inclusion represents a real problem for the NWSL, it's difficult to see how it would surpass multiple of different challenges that have actually blunted the league's momentum and affected its reputation.

• Employment standards for staff remain a problem. Several ex- San Diego Wave employees are suing the team and the NWSL, alleging bias based on race and ability, unwanted advances, and failure to prevent prejudice.
• Athlete welfare is a further issue. In spring, Angel City defender Savy King fell on the field, requiring emergency medical treatment. On-field play resumed, even though players were visibly upset. The NWSLPA called on the NWSL to review their medical protocols.
• Extreme weather guidelines have also been challenged. During a nationally televised match, the league head reportedly warned to fine a club over a disagreement in hot weather policies.
• Financial competition from European leagues like the Women's Super League is growing, luring top talent away from the league and country where they built their professional lives.

Trans athletes did not factor into any one of these challenges. And it's unlikely they will, regardless of whether the proposed changes are implemented.