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On the end of October, Angel City FC player Elizabeth Eddy posted her first online statement in almost two years. In it, she addressed news that the NWSL had discreetly abandoned its inclusion policy for trans and intersex athletes, making the organization's future stance undecided.

The next day, her opinion piece was shared in full by a different media outlet, providing wider attention.

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

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

Examining the Actual Threat

It remains uncertain how Eddy thinks the NWSL's integrity has been harmed—either under its former policy that permitted transgender players or its present lack of one. The league, now in its 13th season, has established a clear identity. It's extremely contested, influential in business and culture, and an integral part of the worldwide women's soccer landscape.

Its growth trajectory seems largely fine—audience numbers have grown each year, and growth to sixteen clubs is scheduled for 2026.

Analyzing the Data

Eddy cites the Football Association's recent ban on transgender athletes as a positive example. Yet, that ban is believed to impact only approximately twenty grassroots players out of millions soccer players. The effect in the United States would likely be similarly minimal.

Two years ago, when the NWSL's policy of inclusion was implemented, there were two trans players: one player and Kumi Yokoyama. Both have since left, and no openly transgender athletes presently compete in the NWSL. On the current season's first matchdays, the league celebrated its 1,000th participant. That's only two out trans players out of more than a thousand in the NWSL's existence.

Baseless Concerns and Actual Harm

Eddy's piece is framed as if there is a stream of transgender athletes ready to dominate the NWSL imminently. This is not the case. At present, there are no openly transgender players playing at a professional level in the US. National laws explicitly bans trans players from competing in NCAA college soccer. Moreover, multiple scientifically reviewed studies have shown that transgender players have no biological advantages over cisgender competitors.

In the absence of out trans people, discriminatory behavior have persisted along racial lines. When Orlando Pride's Barbra Banda was awarded a top honor, she faced a surge of online abuse. The league was slow to respond in supporting their star player. Likewise, Kansas City Current's Temwa Chawinga and her sister have experienced comparable mistreatment.

“The piece does not represent for our club in this locker 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 implications come across as transphobic and racist as well.”

Other Urgent Issues Facing the League

Regardless if one were to ignore these points and believe that including transgender athletes constitutes a real problem for the league, it's difficult to see how it would outrank multiple of other issues that have truly hindered the growth and affected its reputation.

• Employment standards for professionals remain a concern. Several ex- club employees are suing the team and the NWSL, alleging racial and disability discrimination, sexual harassment, and negligence to stop discrimination.
• Athlete welfare is another area of concern. In spring, a player Savy King fell on the pitch, requiring emergency medical treatment. On-field play resumed, even though teammates were clearly upset. The NWSLPA called on the league to review their health procedures.
• Extreme weather guidelines have also been challenged. During a nationally televised match, the NWSL commissioner reportedly warned to fine a team over a dispute in extreme heat procedures.
• Financial rivalry from European leagues like the WSL is growing, luring some of the NWSL's best players away from the NWSL and nation where they built their professional lives.

Transgender players did not factor into any one of these issues. And it's unlikely they will, regardless of whether Eddy's suggestions are implemented.