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During the end of October, ACFC player Elizabeth Eddy posted her initial social media post in almost two years. In it, she responded to reports that the National Women's Soccer League had quietly abandoned its policy of inclusion for trans and intersex players, making the organization's future stance unclear.

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

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

Her piece broadly advocated for a prohibition on transgender players from the league to protect “the integrity of women's sports.”

Questioning the Real Threat

It's unclear how Eddy thinks the NWSL's credibility has been harmed—whether under its former policy that allowed transgender players or its current lack of one. The organization, now in its 13th season, has developed a clear identity. It's extremely contested, commercially and culturally powerful, and an essential part of the worldwide female football scene.

Its growth trajectory seems largely strong—viewership have grown every season, and growth to 16 teams is planned for 2026.

Analyzing the Data

Eddy references the English FA's recent ban on transgender athletes as a positive example. However, that restriction is thought to affect only 20 or so amateur participants out of 5.5 million soccer players. The effect in the US would likely be equally minimal.

Two years ago, when the NWSL's policy of inclusion was implemented, there were two trans players: one player and Kumi Yokoyama. They have both departed, and no out trans players presently play in the NWSL. On the 2025 season's opening weekend, the NWSL celebrated its thousandth participant. That's just two openly transgender individuals out of more than a thousand in the NWSL's existence.

Unfounded Fears and Actual Damage

The article is framed as if there is a stream of trans players set to dominate the NWSL at a moment's notice. There is no such thing. At present, there are no openly transgender players playing at a professional level in the United States. Federal legislation expressly prohibits trans players from competing in NCAA college soccer. Moreover, multiple scientifically reviewed studies have shown that trans athletes have no inherent physical edge over cis athletes.

Without of openly transgender individuals, transphobic attacks have persisted along racial lines. When a club's Barbra Banda was awarded a top honor, she faced a surge of digital harassment. The league was slow to respond in supporting their star player. Likewise, another team's Temwa Chawinga and her sister have experienced similar abuse.

“The piece does not represent for our club in this locker room,” team leader Sarah Gorden informed reporters. “We disagree with the things written for a multitude of reasons, but primarily the implications come across as discriminatory against trans people and racist as well.”

Other Pressing Problems Confronting the League

Even if one were to overlook these points and believe that trans inclusion represents a genuine issue for the NWSL, it's hard to see how it would surpass multiple of other issues that have actually hindered the league's momentum and compromised its reputation.

• Working conditions for professionals continue to be a problem. Six former San Diego Wave employees are suing the team and the league, alleging racial and disability discrimination, unwanted advances, and failure to prevent discrimination.
• Player care is a further area of concern. In May, Angel City defender Savy King collapsed on the pitch, requiring urgent care. The match continued, despite players were visibly upset. The players' association called on the league to review their health procedures.
• Severe climate guidelines have also been questioned. During a nationally televised match, the NWSL commissioner allegedly threatened to fine a team over a disagreement in hot weather policies.
• Economic rivalry from European leagues like the Women's Super League is growing, attracting some of the NWSL's best players away from the league and country where they made their careers.

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